Was Andrew Bynum Wrong to Delay Knee Surgery?

The OC Register takes the Laker big to task for putting off surgery so he could enjoy his summer (sound familiar?): “Bynum put off having offseason surgery on his right knee so he could play – and we’re not talking about playing basketball. He could’ve repaired the knee immediately after last season, but he postponed it to travel – to see the soccer World Cup in South Africa and then vacation in Europe, as he had the previous summer. Bynum didn’t want to be on crutches, which would’ve diminished all that fun stuff or required rescheduling. He even had the knee drained, just as he did repeatedly with much ado in the playoffs to keep playing, so he could keep pivoting around reasonably well as a sightseer. Yes, Bynum’s doctor did push back the surgery date also – from July 18 to July 28 – because of scheduling issues, but Bynum’s doctor was indeed available to perform the procedure before Bynum went globetrotting. It was Bynum’s choice to enjoy himself, assuming he’d be fine by the time the 2010-11 season came – even though his complications with knees are well known and his past healings have been measured by sundial. Lakers spokesman John Black said Wednesday there is an ‘outside chance’ Bynum will play in the final exhibition games and the club is ‘hopeful’ Bynum can play in the Oct. 26 regular-season opener.”