Andrew Bynum might not play this season after latest setback

You could debate whether the Lakers were better last season with a healthy Andrew Bynum or this season with a hobbled Dwight Howard.

But there’s no disputing that the Lakers made the right move by trading Bynum, given the latest development with his right knee.

The Philadelphia 76ers center acknowledged Friday that he might not play this season after suffering another setback in which he experienced swelling in his right knee after five-on-five drills last week.

“It’s getting really late,” Bynum told reporters in Philadelphia. “I don’t know.”

What the 25-year-old does know is this: He won’t come back until he’s convinced he’s ready, whenever that may be.

“I don’t want to play in pain,” he said.

Even though Bynum will be a free agent this summer, he said he did not want to hurry back to showcase himself for other teams.

“I think being healthy is more important than everything else,” he said. “If I am healthy, I’ll get a deal. I have to be able to play and I need to get to the point with my body where I’m able to play, however long that takes.”

On the plus side, Bynum’s left knee -- the one he tweaked while bowling earlier this season -- is fine. It’s the right knee, which has bothered him since September, that has flared up.

When it might heal completely is anyone’s guess.

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