Andrew Bynum underwent an MRI exam today that revealed he suffered a strained right elbow when Houston’s Chuck Hayes smacked him in the closing seconds of the Lakers’ overtime victory Wednesday night. Bynum was said to be doubtful to play in Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He did not practice today and left the gym with an electronic stimulating device on his injured elbow.

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol practiced with his teammates for the first time since suffering a setback on his strained right hamstring Oct. 14. He said he is “very doubtful” to play Friday. Gasol also said he might be ready to play Sunday against the New Orleans Hornets, and if not then, then he could play Thursday against the Phoenix Suns.

If neither Bynum nor Gasol can play Friday, then DJ Mbenga might start at center. It’s also possible that Lamar Odom could move from power forward to center, with perhaps Josh Powell or Luke Walton filling his spot in the starting lineup.