Although Andrew Bynum has showed up on time for training camp with the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers, he’ll be back on the court even later than his coach expected.
The Lakers’ starting center said Saturday he won’t play until at least late November while recovering from surgery on his right knee.
Bynum had his knee drained twice during the playoffs and a third time after Los Angeles won its second straight title. He then postponed surgery so he could make a trip to Europe and South Africa, attending the World Cup and going on safari.
Bynum’s teammates say they aren’t worried about his absence after a short offseason.
The Lakers are in camp earlier than normal to prepare for a European tour next month.