Los Angeles Lakers star Andrew Bynum set for experimental procedure – NBA Update
The Los Angeles Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs in the second round by a young and vibrant Oklahoma City Thunder side. The Lakers were disappointed with their season overall but there were some positives to take out.
Chief among them was the maturity and rise of Andrew Bynum that not only saw him become an All-Star but also established the 7-footer as one of the very best centres in the NBA. A major reason for it was the injury free season Bynum enjoyed, the first time
in many years, and the centre wants to keep that trend going.
He will therefore be travelling to Germany for an experimental procedure that he believes would help his fitness. Orthokine therapy is an innovation of Dr. Peter Wehling, tested out and recommended by Kobe Bryant last summer.
"He just told me it helped him out," Bynum said of Kobe’s advice on the procedure.
The unorthodox method was designed by Dr. Peter to help patients with knee problems, and Bynum might require it on both his knees.
"Nothing feels wrong," Bynum said. "It's supposed to regenerate tissue and stuff like that, so I want to check that out."
The player also took time out to talk about his future. Los Angeles have a one year option on the centre and have already indicated that they will be exercising it, meaning that he would be tied to the franchise until the end of the 2012 -2013 NBA season.
Afterwards the situation is not clear, but Bynum has said he likes to play in Los Angeles.
"I take every day that I'm in L.A. as a good one," Bynum said. "I don't want to go anywhere and hopefully if I keep elevating my play, I won't have to."
The Lakers can open talks with Bynum over a long term contract this summer, but there have been no indications that they might. The franchise is apparently keen on keeping its options open for the summer of 2013, when a number of high value free agents would
be available.
Bynum said he would engage with the franchise if they offered him a deal now, although he isn’t going to ask for it.
"I'll definitely entertain the conversation, but I'm not seeking it," Bynum said. "I'm not reaching out."
He also made it clear that he wasn’t holding out on the contract issue because he had decided to move as a free agent in the 2013 free agency.
"I can assure you, I'm not waiting because I want to go somewhere," Bynum said. "That's for sure."
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