Lakers center Andrew Bynum said today during a radio interview that he planned to begin basketball-related activities Friday. The 7-foot Bynum has been sidelinded by a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee since Jan. 31.

“I’m going to increase my lateral movement come Friday and I’m going to try to get back on the court and do a little bit of drills on Friday as well,” Bynum said during an interview with John Ireland and Steve Mason of KSPN (710 AM).

In addition, Bynum said his participation in a full practice with his teammates is still a few weeks away, and he remains hopeful of playing in an undetermined number of regular-season games next month. The Lakers end their regular season April 14.

“As far as when I’m coming back, it’ll be as soon as I’m ready, man,” Bynum said. “It will definitely be some time in the middle of April.”