Lakers center Andrew Bynum is set to begin his offseason workouts next week in the heat and humidity of Atlanta, more than six months after suffering a season-ending left kneecap injury during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Sean Zarzana, Bynum's personal trainer, said Tuesday afternoon they would begin offseason workouts "pretty much full bore"
next week. There was no lingering pain or inflammation in Bynum's kneecap, Zarzana added.
Bynum is eligible starting today to sign a contract extension worth as much as $80 million over five seasons. How aggressively the Lakers pursue a new deal with the 20-year-old could depend on how quickly he rebounds from his injury.
He underwent surgery May21 to clear out cartilage debris and smooth out rough spots behind the kneecap. Dr. David Altchek performed the 30-minute procedure in New York. Last week, Altchek cleared Bynum to resume his workouts without restriction. Bynum and Zarzana were in New York on Tuesday, completing Bynum's rehabilitation exercises. But they planned to leave for Atlanta in the next few days.
The 7-foot Bynum hired Zarzana last summer in the wake of withering public criticism from Kobe Bryant and arrived at training camp in the best shape of his career. Bynum averaged career highs of 13.1 points and 10.2 rebounds before he was injured when he stepped on teammate Lamar Odom's foot Jan. 13.
In addition to Bynum, the Lakers also can re-sign Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf starting today. The Lakers offered each player a qualifying offer last week - $2.6 million for Vujacic and $1 million for Turiaf - the first step in retaining their rights.
Vujacic and Turiaf are each restricted free agents, and the Lakers have the right to match any offers they receive from other teams.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said going into the July 1 negotiating period he would prefer to retain the services of Vujacic and Turiaf rather than pursue unrestricted free agents from other teams.
Kupchak has had quiet discussions with the agents for Vujacic and Turiaf, but it's not expected either player will sign today.
Kupchak has contacted the agents for several unrestricted free agents. In fact, a backup plan has emerged in recent days, with Kupchak reportedly contacting the agents for veterans Brent Barry, James Posey and Kurt Thomas.
What's more, Kupchak hopes to sign Sun Yue, a guard from China who was a second-round pick in the 2007 draft. Sun is set to play for China in the Beijing Olympics, and Kupchak hopes to sign him and bring him to training camp in October.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will introduce Joe Crawford, their lone draft pick last month, to reporters today. Crawford then will join the Lakers' summer league team for a closed-door scrimmage against the Clippers' summer league team.
Summer league play begins for both teams Friday night in Las Vegas
