ESPN Los Angeles is reporting that Andrew Bynum is planning on making his season debut December 14th when the Lakers take on the Washington Wizards.
Now, we all know how this process has gone thus far. Initially Bynum was only going to miss the preseason. Then he was thought to be ready by Thanksgiving. Now we’ve finally got a date locked in but that means little.
The Lakers and Bynum have rightfully taken their time in getting the young seven-footer back to health. Given his inability to be healthy for the playoffs, it would seem ideal for Drew to get as much time as needed. It wasn’t until this week that Bynum actually participated in a full practice.
Therefore, next Tuesday even seems a little rushed and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re not moving this date back…again.
As it stands, the Laker bigs are logging big minutes in games that should be easy pickings for the two-time defending champs. While all the fault cannot be traced solely to Bynum’s absence, his presence has been sorely missed.
Combined with Theo Ratliff’s road to recovery, at this point the Lake Show just needs bodies, never mind production.
Here’s hoping that this is the last time we’ll have to circle, erase and then circle another date for Bynum’s debut.