Apr

10

Lakers’ Bynum “a long shot” to play Sunday

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PORTLAND - In discussing Andrew Bynum on Tuesday, Phil Jackson said “there’s a chance” Bynum could play Sunday against the Spurs at Staples Center, then called it “a long shot.”

Bynum, who has missed 42 games recovering from a left kneecap injury, would have to be able to “practice on Saturday in a way that could convince me to play him on Sunday,” Jackson said.

“He has to play in a practice and run well and feel comfortable and move the right way,” Jackson said, and added, “He’s still getting some swelling around that knee, but if there is some excessive swelling, then we’d have to say no.

“But right now we’re certainly not counting on (him). It’s just really a long shot.”

Jackson said the team doctors’ input will greatly influence whether or not Bynum plays Sunday. Chip Schaefer, the team’s director of athletic performance and player development, has worked with Bynum daily for the past two months.

“He’s moving relatively well,” Jackson said. “There’s still some things about his game that are not back to square one. Playing-wise, he probably could start to get in the fray a little bit as far as a practice goes. I don’t know what it’s going to look like. He doesn’t either.”

Bynum vs. Shaq

There’s a chance the Lakers could face Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs, and Bynum could be needed against Shaquille O’Neal.

“He would be an important person to have on your team because he’s got the bulk and the size to put himself out there and stop some of that bull nature that Shaq has,” Jackson said.

Bynum has faced O’Neal just once in his career, in his rookie season. Bynum’s only points came on a memorable dunk over his idol, who had just dunked on him. Bynum then gave O’Neal a playful shove, which drew an elbow from Shaq, and both of them got technical fouls.

O’Neal finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Bynum played only four minutes.

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