Andrew Bynum Out With Torn MCL; May Miss 8 to 12 Weeks

by Jon Azpiri | February 2, 2009 at 03:46 pm

246 views | 0 Recommendations | 0 comments

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum will make several weeks with a torn MCL. Bynum tore his medial collateral ligament after colliding with teammate Kobe Bryant in the first quarter of the Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Results from Andrew Bynum's MRI tests indicate that he may miss 8 to 12 weeks of action. If Bynum's recovery from the MCL tear lasts in the 12-week range, he may miss part of the opening round of the NBA playoffs.

Bynum has been a key part of the Lakers success during the regular season, averaging 14.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 a game this season. The injury will likely mean that Pau Gasol will play center and veteran forward Lamar Odom will return to the starting lineup.

Bynum missed last year's playoffs due to a patella tendon injury. Many pundits believe that Bynum had been able to play, the Lakers may not have lost the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals.