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Los Angeles Lakers Wiretap

Bynum's Pain Remains The Same

Andrew Bynum didn't practice on Saturday for the Lakers but reported no setbacks in his injured right ankle.

Bynum is expected to play on Sunday night against the Raptors, especially after posting 18 points and 10 rebounds against the Mavericks on Friday night.

"It felt the same, but it didn't get any worse," Bynum said of his ankle. "It bothered me one time in the game (Friday) night, when I tried to jump and dunk the ball and it just hurt a lot. But it subsided."

A bone spur broke free in Bynum's ankle during the team's win over the Nets on Tuesday, which is causing the center discomfort. Team medical personnel told Bynum the pain should be gone in about two weeks.

There is no risk of further injury.

"If the pain ever increases, I'm going to let everybody know and I'm going to have to take time off," Bynum said. "The worst thing that could happen to me at this point is just for the pain to increase. If that would happen, the doctor said that I would need another MRI to see why it happened."

Via Los Angeles Daily News


Jermaine Expects To Play Against Lakers

Raptors' center Jermaine O'Neal expects to play on Sunday night against the Lakers after a two-game absence.

"We'll see how it goes (today at shootaround)," O'Neal said. "I expected to play (Friday) night but didn't play so I don't want to lead people on. I think it's a huge positive I was able to practice today so I would definitely say the chances of me playing are far greater than not."

Toronto head coach Sam Mitchell said that he'd allow O'Neal and the training staff decide when he's ready to return.

O'Neal initially strained his left knee last Friday against New Jersey. He then went over on an ankle which lead to more discomfort and some swelling.

Via Toronto Sun


Fisher Cautious About Lakers Fast Start

Lakers' point guard Derek Fisher is trying to remain cautious about the team's hot start to the season.

Fisher remembers that the 2001-02 Lakers started the season with a 16-1 record, but stumbled to finish 58-24.

"As quickly as you can win 12 out of 13 or be 16-1, you go through a stretch where things get away from you," Fisher said. "It seems like things snowball from there and all the bad stuff comes out from under the rug.

"What I do remember most from that (2001-02) team was that we completed the end mission, which was to win a title. No matter how you start, it's how you finish that matters."

Via Los Angeles Daily News


Lakers Nov 2008 Archive