This has been the news that the Lakers have waited to hear. Andrew Bynum, the young Lakers center, has been cleared by his doctors to start training again:

“…Bynum saw doctors in New York in the morning and was given the green light to start conditioning, his agent, David Lee, said.

Lee reported Bynum doesn’t have pain or swelling in the knee and doctors told him there was no need for follow-up visits. The 7-foot center will stay in the New York area for another two weeks to continue his rehabilitation then head to Atlanta…”

link: Doctors clear Lakers’ Bynum

It would be an understatement to say that there are enormous pressures on young Andrew Bynum. For Lakers fans, their resounding defeat in the 2008 NBA finals was a little more palatable with the knowledge that Andrew Bynum would be returning. His presence at center gives the Lakers more offense and a tougher defense. He is expected to score, rebound and take some of the defensive focus away from Kobe Bryant.

Much is expected from Andrew Bynum and that repaired knee. In turn, there is the matter of Andrew Bynum’s contract. It will fall in the vicinity of eighty million dollars ($80,000,000.00). The Lakers consider it a business investment that will reap millions in profits each year he is with the team. The Lakers and their fans expect Andrew Bynum and his surgically repaired knee to take them deep into the playoffs in 2009. For Andrew Bynum, the new NBA season has started with this ‘go-ahead’ from his doctors. Now that knee will be tested.

Catherine Forsythe