Latest on Bynum

After watching Andrew Bynum scrimmage at the end of practice today, it looks like he's ready to play Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. After speaking to him, it sounds like he's ready to play. Officially, It remains to be determined whether he will play for the first time since suffering a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee Jan. 31 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Unofficially, he's playing. There doesn't seem to be any reason to hold him out any longer.

Bynum and Lakers coach Phil Jackson were cautious in their comments after practice.

Bynum: "I'm ready to go. I'm just waiting for the release. (Question: When will you get the release?) Some time soon. I think tomorrow is possible. (Q: When will you talk to Jackson?) Probably after practice. No doubts just wind. Wind is the only doubt. I don't care (about coming off the bench or starting). I just want to get out there and play. I feel like I'm ready to get out there and get as much game experience as I can. I'm ready to play tomorrow. I want to get out there and do well. (Q: What about your teammates?) They're just excited. They really can't wait."

Jackson: "We'll probably assess how he feels tomorrow after today's practice and then make a judgment on that. He feels pretty good. We're pleased with his progress. I don't know how much more he can get out of the activity level he's doing right now. He's got to get to playing here pretty soon. (Q: Starting or off the bench?) I still haven't made up my mind about that. I think he's got the ability to play with the 10-man crew out there on the floor and the feel his way along. He expect a little hitch in our game, but it may not be that at all. He may just go right back in there. We'll see how it goes."