Lakers C Bynum suffers right knee sprain

Feb 1, 2009 - 6:04 AM MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum suffered a right knee sprain in the first quarter of the team's 115-98 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.

The 7-foot center fell to the floor after a scramble and was subsequently helped to the locker room with assistance. X-rays were negative and Bynum will have an MRI on Sunday in New York, where the Lakers play the Knicks on Monday.

"I have to be optimistic," said Bynum, whose season ended at around the same point last season after he dislocated the kneecap on his opposite leg. "I just want to get back as soon as possible."

He is averaging 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds this season.

Head coach Phil Jackson called the injury "a great disappointment."

"Everyone knows we're probably going to have to go on for a quite a while without him," Jackson said.

Bynum played in 45 games last season after he suffered a partially dislocated kneecap when he landed awkwardly on teammate Lamar Odom's left foot in a January 13, 2008, game - coincidentally against Memphis.

"I feel bad for him because he was playing so well," Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant said. "As far as us as a ballclub, we know what we have to do because we've done it before. He doesn't deserve it. Hopefully, it's nothing too severe and he can get back soon and pick up where he left off."