Lakers' Bynum has surgery

May 21, 2008 - 8:57 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the team announced Wednesday.

The procedure, performed by Dr. David Altchek, removed cartilage debris and smoothed some rough spots on the underside of the kneecap.

Bynum, who played in 35 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp next season.

The 20-year-old center suffered the injury on January 13 at home against the Memphis Grizzlies and was scheduled to miss eight to 12 weeks.

But Bynum hasn't played since, putting a stop to his best season as a pro, in which he averaged 13.1 points, 10.2 boards and 2.1 blocks.

Bynum was expected to rejoin the Lakers for the stretch run prior to the start of the playoffs but wasn't cleared to practice by doctors last month.

Los Angeles faces San Antonio in Game One of the Western Conference finals Wednesday.