Andrew Bynum: 'I'm Definitely Playing' Tuesday Against Wizards

Filed under: Lakers, NBA Injuries, NBA Rumors

Andrew Bynum may not be 100 percent, but he's ready to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. He confirmed as much to reporters on Monday, bluntly stating, "I'm definitely playing (Tuesday)."

Bynum, who missed the first 24 games of the season recovering from knee surgery performed over the summer, made his comments during his team's community service event with Pres. Barack Obama at a Boys & Girls Club. The Lakers play the Washington Wizards on Tuesday evening.

Although Bynum is certain he'll see his first action of the season, he's not yet sure what his role will be.

"I'm just not sure if I'm going to start or come off the bench," Bynum said. "It doesn't really matter to me but it will definitely be in quick bursts ... five minutes here, five minutes there."

Either way, coach Phil Jackson is convinced that having Bynum available can only help the Lakers, who recently suffered a four-game losing streak before bouncing back to win four of their last five.

"I told him I know he doesn't think he's all the way back yet, but he can help the team right now and he agreed," Jackson said.

Bynum won't have to wait long to see how his surgically-repaired knee holds up in a back-to-back, as the Lakers will immediately travel to Indiana for a game Wednesday following their tilt with the Wizards. The Lakers will then continue their road trip with games in Philadelphia on Wednesday and Toronto on Sunday before returning to Los Angeles.

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