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Andrew Bynum Reports Slow Progress With Knees But Says ‘I Will Play This Year’

When news first came that the newly acquired Andrew Bynum was dealing with knee ailments and would not be playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, most people thought the injury would be a momentary setback.

Months later, people can’t be blamed for wondering whether Bynum will play for the Sixers at all.

But, Bynum said Friday after another checkup, he will play — and this season, too.

“I really don’t know [when I'll play],” Bynum said. “But I will play this year.”

Bynum, who has been swimming to stay fit, said the bone bruises in his knees “are healing, and the swelling is gone.”

The early years of Bynum’s career, with the Lakers, were marked by one injury after another. He played a full season just once in seven years in Los Angeles, although he looked to be more healthy than usual after logging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds in 35.2 minutes a game in the lockout-shortened season last year. That helped facilitate the trade that sent him to the Sixers and Magic center Dwight Howard to L.A.

Since changing jerseys, though, Bynum has failed to see the court. Instead, headlines surrounding the big man have been about whether he even likes basketball and what he does with his free time, such as bowling, which caused him to further injure himself.

Bynum has also gotten plenty of attention for his hair this season. That was at the center of the discussion again Friday night — but this time, Bynum was assuring everyone that he would be back this year.