Lakers C Bynum has successful knee surgery

Jul 29, 2010 - 1:24 AM LOS ANGELES(AP) -- Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum is expected to be limited at the start of training camp after undergoing successful surgery on his right knee Wednesday.

Bynum had arthroscopic surgery in New York to repair a partially torn ligament. The 7-foot center initially discovered the tear in his meniscus during the Lakers' first-round playoff series against Oklahoma City.

Bynum postponed surgery during the Lakers' run to their second straight NBA title, starting each of the Lakers' 23 postseason games while averaging 8.6 points and 6.9 rebounds. His knee injury and a strained Achilles' tendon limited his movement and stamina, but Bynum refused to miss out on the postseason experience after sitting out Los Angeles' 2008 run with a dislocated left kneecap.

Bynum's knee was drained twice during the NBA finals, and again after the season. The fifth-year pro then made a trip to South Africa for the World Cup, and Bynum later delayed his surgery for a few weeks to fit his surgeon's schedule.

Although Bynum had said his recovery time was expected to be short, the Lakers said in a news release Wednesday that Bynum will be available "on a limited basis" when training camp opens Sept. 25. Los Angeles is opening training camp earlier than usual to get ready for exhibition games in Barcelona and London.

The Lakers expect Bynum to be fully recovered before the regular season begins.