Tuesday night after Game 3 of the Finals, Andrew Bynum used to word "questionable" when describing his knee's status for Thursday night's Game 4. But on Wednesday at practice, Bynum was in better spirits, and Phil Jackson expected Bynum to be on the court Thursday night. But Thursday is telling a different tale. Tweets Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times: "Winds of change [Thursday] morning regarding Bynum, whose knee is hurting. "Will he play tonight? "'I'm not positive about that,' Jackson said." Bynum has been battling the tear in his right knee since the Oklahoma City series, and swelling and soreness have been a concern all playoffs. But he's still been effective in most games. Bynum has simply limited his practice run, and focused on the games. It's still possible Bynum plays on Thursday night, but it could be for less time than he's used to seeing. If so, the Lakers formidable frontline of Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom won't have quite the advantage they usually do on Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis.
Bynum needs a "you're a pussy" talk, like they do in Remember the Titans. Make him realize that this is for something bigger than his leg, that he could play through it. Just 2 more games, that's all we're asking. After tonight, he'll have 2 days to rejuvenate himself.
If he can play he will play. If he can't he won't. IMO he has proven that he understands the moment and has done all he can to make himself available to help his teammates. If he doesn't play Lamar will have to step up big time; it will probably also mean more minutes for Luke too. If the game becomes really physical Phil can put DJ on the floor for a 3-5 minute span. We already know that Derek and Kobe will pick it up if 'Drew can't go. If he doesn't play tonight I am sure he will play in Game 5 and with all the extra rest he might have a big game. Whether he plays or not Lakers still win the championship in five or six.