News that won't make y'all happy, I presume
But we're nonetheless gonna report it, because that's how we roll around on this blog.
Just got an emailed update from the Lakers PR dept. Apparently, Andrew Bynum hasn't been cleared for contact or practice drills just quite yet, per his examination in the Big Apple. The doc says it's not considered a "setback" in his recovery. We'll try to find out more later at today's game. But at any rate, that's the latest.
The official (and very brief) announcement is below the jump.
UPDATE: More from Eric Pincus at Hoopsworld.com.
AK
EL SEGUNDO-
Lakers center Andrew Bynum was examined yesterday in
New York
by knee specialist Dr. David Altchek and has not been cleared to progress to full practices or contact drills, it was announced today.
“This should not be seen as a setback in any way,” said Altchek. “Andrew will continue with his therapy program and workouts with the Lakers’ training staff and will continue to be monitored until he can return to playing status.”
There is no target date for Bynum’s return.
For some strange reason the news of Andrew Bynum not being cleared for physical contac or practice is released thru PR dept but not to be considered a set back!
Phil is the one behind this BS smokescreen to get us off the fact that the Lakers defense sucks and he has no plan.
I'm with Pfunk PJ has to go!!!
Posted by: chuck23 | April 10, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Saw it coming. Phil already said it was a long shot. Just as long he heals in time for the playoffs, there's no need to freak just yet.
Posted by: Linda | April 10, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Okay. Now that the bad news about AB has sunk in a bit,
we all have to face reality...
Since there is no certainty that AB will be back this season (unless the news release hours ago is not the whole truth), PJ needs to tell the team that they are to get their heads together and play like AB is not coming back. Like already aforementioned, we do not need anymore distraction.
Having said that, I know PJ like to play mind games with every. I say it is high time Phil puts an end to this, at least when it is relating to injured players. Of course there is a possibility that all the players knew about this all along, you just never know!
Posted by: Robyn | April 10, 2008 at 03:59 PM
"“Andrew will continue with his therapy program and workouts with the Lakers’ training staff and will continue to be monitored until he can return to playing status.”
Well you guys weren't going to beat us anyway. So, I do dare you to play us first round. You saw my 16points last night of dominance. Just think what I will do to Pau and Lamar.
THE BIG CACTUS
Posted by: The Big Cactus | April 10, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Hey prickless cactus,
Better yet think of what Pau and Lamar did to you last game.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 10, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Get the PHX training staff over here pronto! See what they were able to do with Shaq's hip? Those guys are geniuses!
Posted by: Mike C. | April 10, 2008 at 04:03 PM
BIG CACTUS,
Im surprised you even know where the keys are on the keyboard.....U CROSS EYED MOFO!!!!!!ahhahahahh SUNS SUCK!!!! LAKERS #1!!!!!!!
Posted by: Surge | April 10, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Have faith guys. Drew will be back this season (I think before the playoffs).
I'm wishing on it. And although my last year's wish of KG to LA didn't come true, I think the birthday gods thought I said Pau, and got him instead lol.
Posted by: Faith | April 10, 2008 at 04:08 PM
"You saw my 16points last night of dominance."
Wow the multiple poster managed to use 16 points and Dominance in the same sentence.
Posted by: Charles | April 10, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Just got the news about Andrew. Talk about depression hitting me and then I get the wife stating....I told you..you are stupid to fall for it. You should have known that they stringing you along, your an idiot for taking the bait, they were reeling you in for the last 4 months, honey I even knew that they were stroking you.
What a crappy day!!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I think the birthday gods thought I said Pau, and got him instead lol.
Posted by: Faith | April 10, 2008 at 04:08 PM
That's funny, Laker Legacy and I were conversing about acquiring Gasol this summer...
Posted by: Charles | April 10, 2008 at 04:15 PM
The news that Bynum will miss 6 weeks better be just a rumor, or I'm going to throw a cup of beer on Vitti's head at the game tomorrow.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 10, 2008 at 02:00 PM
LOL
Hope he wouldn't go Ron-Artest on you.
But if he does, that'd get him fired for sure
and you, LAKER TRUTH will be the hero.
Posted by: coolhair | April 10, 2008 at 04:17 PM
We held the Spurs to 79 points. When the last time you held anyone to 79 points?
It about defense. And Phil never talked about defense in practice. He only cares about the triangle.
You have no answer for us 3-1 in the season means nothing. I was only there for one game. And I hadn't played in over a month. Now, I'm motivated and what are you guys going to do!
You talked all that trash about me. And once again, I'm going to get the last laugh at you! You never won a ring since I left and you never going to win one until I retired.
Don't worry, #34 will shine in staples one day. And when i get my 5 ring this year, I'll let you look and foam at the mouth over it because that's just what a leader can do for you team. Win rings!
It's about defense. Bynum or no Bynum, our defense is much better than your team defense. Let's just see how you play against the Spurs.
Posted by: The Big Cactus | April 10, 2008 at 04:20 PM
If Michael Jordan is playing with Odom and Gasol, you can expect a Champiosnhip from Jordan, Odom and Gasol.
No Bynum, no Championship!
Kobe was beaten by Brandon Roy several times in the last game. MJ would not allowed that to happen.
Kobe was beaten by Chris Paul and Lebron James many times in thier duel. Kobe is in the prime of his game, MJ at his prime, no youngsters or veteran can outplay him.
Kobe is not dominating games like Jordan did.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 10, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Do you guys think the guards and the Lakers will respond to Bshaw and the lack of defense and have a great defensive game tonight?
What im getting at is do you guys think the point total will be under 110 haha???
NO MVP NO PEACE, NO BEAST NO PEACE
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 10, 2008 at 04:21 PM
They should declare "Andrew Bynum out of the season", instead of breaking the hearts of every Laker fan in the world. Oh my!!!
But the best thing is, in the playoffs the lakers will be the underdog in case they are going to meet either Dallas or Phoenix. That's should remove some pressure from the lakers.
Good things happen.
Cheersssssssssssss.
Posted by: Botsoy | April 10, 2008 at 04:22 PM
honey I even knew that they were stroking you.
What a crappy day!!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I hope you don't like your ribs dry rubbed...
Posted by: Charles | April 10, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Post from BD:
"Just got the news about Andrew. Talk about depression hitting me and then I get the wife stating....I told you..you are stupid to fall for it. You should have known that they stringing you along, your an idiot for taking the bait, they were reeling you in for the last 4 months, honey I even knew that they were stroking you.
What a crappy day!!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BD,
Sometimes women have that 6th sense that we, men don't. Anyway, you are welcomed to stay at my place if your wife is kicking you out to the doghouse!
Sorry about w
Posted by: Robyn | April 10, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Someone delusional and talking as if they were shaq?
Something about Mary. "Franks and Beans! Franks and Beans! Have you seen my baseball?"
Posted by: Charles | April 10, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Pincus never ever has the scoop. Period. He can express his opinion all he wants but anything he's trying to pass off as news is simply him expressing his take on what's going on.
Posted by: lakers_sth | April 10, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Staples 24,
But this is the No Hand Checking Era.
Regards
Posted by: Charles | April 10, 2008 at 04:29 PM
What's the big deal we still have Mihm......
Anyway back to the wiskey shooters.
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 04:31 PM
You guys should check out this video fo Kobe jumping over an Aston Martin, its gotta be fake but pretty funny. Ronny is hilarious saying "Dont do it Kobe we need you for the playoffs"
https://www.kb24.com/news/article/577.html
NO MVP NO PEACE, NO BEAST NO PEACE
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 10, 2008 at 04:32 PM
My concern is will Bynum EVER PLAY AGAIN????
Geez you would have thought his leg went through a meat grinder. How can you be out so long and not have surgery?
No Bynum No Championship. Kobe knows that!!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Samill,
On the second thought, maybe the sad news is not a misinformation if he was truly seen by an orthopedic specialist. However, it is not time to put all the chips on that one diagnosis because these specialists have different diagnosis especially if he's not with Drew everyday. I have clients who are in orthopedics, sometimes they say, it is also a hit or miss game, what one doctor says may not be true to other doctor? So, to be sure, they have to get 2nd opinion or even 3rd opinion from many Orthopedic Surgeons in Southern California area especially with VA Hospitals or Teaching Schools Hospitals in the UC System.
Why local hospitals? One, they can perform various tests and observe Drew on a daily basis not just one spot checking; Two, they can discuss the best theraphy possible best on what they've seen on the MRI; Three, they can supervise the training done on Drew (not leave it with Dr. Gary Vitti who practice Med without a license, and that Canadian guy who was shown on TV attaching gadjets on Sasha and Luke. See the results. Perhaps, that one-on-one game with Mihm or Rambis could have complicated the recovery of Drew. I would put my trust on so many heads from our training hospitals than just one noted specialist who sometimes have one track idea on his patients in New York. A second opinion will either confirm or reject this findings. We used to have great facilities at Centinela Hospital for LA Dodgers but since the turn of the Century never heard from them again that much, perhaps they have gone to HMO and their best doctors went to Dubai where the money is than deal with decapitation system.
We are thankful that it is only a knee and he's still come back sometime. It is time to panic when the dianosis is Cancer. We all learned from Magic Johnson that not all bad medical prognosis are bad news, in fact, they are opportunities for others to shine.
If Drew can do it during the early months, so with DJ Mbenga. The trouble with it, they left him on the bench to develop more cobwebs. By the way, what happened to the other 7-footer Chris Mihm? Is he in uniform for real or to appear as a scarecrow on the bench too?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 10, 2008 at 04:38 PM
The laker personnel in charge of player rehab and training must be the worst the in nba .
How can a player(Bynum)be assessed and be told we anticipate 8 weeks recovery to be out almost double that.
Pathetic.
Posted by: Paul | April 10, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Ironic that SHAQ is healthier than Bynum. He looked strong and smooth last night against the spurs.
Today Ric Mahorn said he'd rather go to war with Peja and Chandler than Gasol. I think the Lakers D is going to be the thing that undoes this team.
Posted by: BUTLER | April 10, 2008 at 04:46 PM
No Bynum, no ring!!! Nuff said.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 10, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Jon K
7 years? Isn't there a virgin we can sacrifice to get that sentence down a bit?
I agree, we are still a very good team, capable of beating anyone in the west if the Lord is willin' and the creek don't rise.
Ar present I'd just like to see more fire in the eyes of players not named Kobe.
One question... we were manhandled by the Celtics with Andrew (no Pau) twice. If no Andrew, as Norm Nixon said 2 weeks ago, could we handle a final series loss to the pond scum of the NBA? That could cause fits of rage resulting in the demolition of things we now hold dear.
Posted by: Vman | April 10, 2008 at 04:48 PM
My concern is will Bynum EVER PLAY AGAIN????
Geez you would have thought his leg went through a meat grinder. How can you be out so long and not have surgery?
No Bynum No Championship. Kobe knows that!!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Nuff said, again.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 10, 2008 at 04:51 PM
any links for tonights game?
Posted by: | April 10, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Edwin,
I was really wondering why Drew had to fly all the way across the country. There most certainly are capable doctors in LA that can see him on a regular basis. That said, I hope PJ can make good use of Mbenga and Mihm. Tuneup for the playoffs starts tonight.
Go Lakers!
P.S. Happy Birthday, Faith!
Posted by: SamII | April 10, 2008 at 04:55 PM
The reason I wanted Andrew back in the lineup is because should we fall I don't want to use injuries as a crutch or excuse for falling short no matter how legitimate the excuse may be. I'm also tired of all the "wait until next year" talk because nothing is guaranteed, especially when it comes to our luck with injuries. It's all about the here and now and we shouldn't be celebrating if we only get out of the first round. Much more is expected of us because we are the freakin' Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 10, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Paul,
"The laker personnel in charge of player rehab and training must be the worst the in nba . How can a player(Bynum)be assessed and be told we anticipate 8 weeks recovery to be out almost double that."
Because you weren't actually told that to begin with. The diagnosis was 8-10 weeks MINIMUM for recovery. It wasn't 8 weeks on the dot. Fans tend to ignore the "minimum" part. For something like Andrew's injury, it's basically impossible to map out an exact time table. Also, I get a sense that they're exercising extreme caution. And I don't blame them. He's far too important for the franchise's future to risk further and recurrent injury by rushing him back. Especially in a situation where they haven't had enough time to get him in game shape and the team won't likely play its best games until next season, anyway.
I'm not saying all this to defend Vitti and Co. I honestly don't know enough about sports medicine to judge how good or bad they are (and most fans can't, either). I'm guessing they're fairly good and the Lakers are hardly the only franchise who've dealt with lingering injuries. But beyond that, my point is simply that most fans seemed to be thinking of this as "8 weeks and he's ready to rock." I don't blame them for thinking that way, because everyone wants Drew back. I know I've been watching the calender with anticipation. But I've also tempered that anticipation with a grain of salt, because I know this isn't an exact science.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 10, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Staples24,
"Kobe was beaten by Chris Paul and Lebron James many times in thier duel. Kobe is in the prime of his game, MJ at his prime, no youngsters or veteran can outplay him. "
Maybe you're too young, or only watched the Air Jordan videotapes, but you obviously don't remember the games when Jordan was outplayed by Reggie Miller (including playoff games), Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson, and even Nick VanExel. Jordan coundn't even guard an aging Magic in the Finals. That series completely turned around when the REAL defensive stopper of the Bulls, Pippen, was switched over on Magic.
With the rule changes in today's game (less physicality, but also less illegal defenses, allowing double teaming off the ball, zone defenses, etc.), it was much easier to stop a player one on one back in Jordan's day, whereas it is much easier to stop a player as a team in today's game.
Also, back in Jordan's time, there were very few SG's who could come close to matching Jordan's athleticism. A young Ron Harper, a young Penny and Sprewell come to mind, but there were very few others. Do you not remember that Craig Ehlo was guarding Jordan one on one with the game on the line? That would NEVER happen today with the ball in Kobe's hands. Kobe would be double teamed immediately. In today's game, the number of athletic SGs (or any other postion for that matter) is seemingly unlimited. The game and the players have evolved, yet Kobe is still considered by his peers as the best player on the planet. If you're a Laker fan, you should appreciate his greatness instead of trying to point out his faults by comparing him to arguably the greatest player of all time.
peace
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 10, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Hmm. I read the Bynum news earlier and went to eat dinner instead of posting. Now back in front of the trusty laptop, I'm scrolling through posts, reading various reactions. I gotta say, I'm STILL feeling some kind of hacked off about the whole thing. It just ticks me off, ya know? And, the only thing that's gonna make me feel better is for the Lakers to stomp on any team that gets in the way between now and the handing out of the Larry O'Brian Trophy. I want our team to be stone cold assassins from here on out and it starts with our housemates the Clips tonight. Send a little message on a bullet to New orleans - you and that CP kid are next.
Support Our Team 1-15!!!
Posted by: dave m | April 10, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Ironic that SHAQ is healthier than Bynum. He looked strong and smooth last night against the spurs.
Today Ric Mahorn said he'd rather go to war with Peja and Chandler than Gasol. I think the Lakers D is going to be the thing that undoes this team.
Posted by: BUTLER | April 10, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Nuff said, again and again.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 10, 2008 at 05:11 PM
AK,
I think you're forgetting that we need someone to blame for this. There's nothing we do better as a people than point the finger. It's easier to blame Vitti for Bynum's slow recovery than Bynum's knee itself.
With that said. Down with Vitt!
Posted by: Xodus | April 10, 2008 at 05:13 PM
VMan,
"7 years? Isn't there a virgin we can sacrifice to get that sentence down a bit?"
I nominate sacrificing GUNNER.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 10, 2008 at 05:16 PM
We shouldn't be relying so much on Bynum. If the Lakers play competent team defense, Pau can do everything Bynum could do offensively, only better.
Ariza was supposedly a defensive stopper, but was really just a guy who hustled more on defense than other Lakers. I wouldn't put him even close in the same class as, say, a Bowen, or Bell, or Battier. It's no real loss to have him out either.
We are being delusional thinking that Bynum/Ariza will lead us to the promise land. I've said time and time again, the Lakers' year will be next year, when the Lakers have an entire year (barring injury again) of integrating a Bynum, Gasol, and Odum front line.
Bynum is out for year. Get over it. Lets have some fun cheering our team through the first round. If it's the Suns, then most likely we'll lose in 6 games.
No one should be getting false hopes about a championship run.
Posted by: troy | April 10, 2008 at 05:18 PM
We shouldn't be relying so much on Bynum. If the Lakers play competent team defense, Pau can do everything Bynum could do offensively, only better.
Ariza was supposedly a defensive stopper, but was really just a guy who hustled more on defense than other Lakers. I wouldn't put him even close in the same class as, say, a Bowen, or Bell, or Battier. It's no real loss to have him out either.
We are being delusional thinking that Bynum/Ariza will lead us to the promise land. I've said time and time again, the Lakers' year will be next year, when the Lakers have an entire year (barring injury again) of integrating a Bynum, Gasol, and Odum front line.
Bynum is out for year. Get over it. Lets have some fun cheering our team through the first round. If it's the Suns, then most likely we'll lose in 6 games.
No one should be getting false hopes about a championship run.
Posted by: troy |
Troy, very well said.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 10, 2008 at 05:23 PM
AK, You're not going to derail that train -- it left the station a few hours ago -- hahaha
I'm in the "No Bynum, No Ring" camp.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 10, 2008 at 05:30 PM
I blame Phillip, I blame Vitti, I blame AK and BK, in fact this injury curse started when they were employed by the times.
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 05:31 PM
If we can't find a virgin, I am with Laker Truth on sacraficing Gunner. That should do it.
Posted by: BD | April 10, 2008 at 05:33 PM
THis sucks..how come most of our players does not heal as what doctors hope for.. ? is it bec. each player has its own healing process?do you mean that most players o are so slow in healing ie. gasol,bynum,ariza,mihm and so on...what if kobe opted for surgery? he will be done for this season . how come the clips also has numerous injury? maybe bec. their from LA too...right?
this SUCKS....
Posted by: manslayer | April 10, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Oh come on! Do some of you actually believe that the Suns training staff cured Shaq? You actually believe that BS story that Shaq gave everyone that he was hurt and suddenly after the trade the med staff for the Suns cured him just like that?!
He was never hurt people! Thats why he recovered so fast, there was never anything wrong, there was no reason for him to sit with the Heat other than this: His sorry, lazy, fat behind got tired of his teammates and his coach and suddenly he got "hurt". It's easier to claim injury than to be honest and say "Hey I'm done with this team and will refuse to play. Trade me"
If you really believe that he was hurt and healed because of the great work of the Suns trainers, I have some magic beans I'd like to sell you.
Posted by: Elle | April 10, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Hey Lakers, Looks like you have to wait for sometime before you get the "Beast" back. For the time being, you have to settle for the "pussycats". Ha! Ha! Ha! :)
Posted by: PhxShotLakers | April 10, 2008 at 05:42 PM
depressing is an understatement ... but hey being a fan is supposed to hurt right?
I say we spend the next couple of days working ira, mbenga and mihm into the lineup
sigh .... sigh .... sigh ....
Posted by: Taliq | April 10, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I have often felt they are playing some sort of dramatic game with this. He'll just appear unexpectedly at some point or they want to milk the drama. What else could explain the total lack of clarity about when he'll be back?
But, if this is drama, it is pushing things too far. This hurts and is not cute anymore. During the playoffs, he should suck it up and remember he has months of off time to recuperate. Play hurt like Kobe, prove you can be a champion!
GO LAKERS!!! ALL OF YA!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 10, 2008 at 05:53 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 10, 2008 at 05:55 PM
how about a second opinion???????? that doctor might be a celtics fan.
Posted by: wassssssssup | April 10, 2008 at 05:56 PM