National Basketball Association

Bynum still hoping to return this season

Published Jan. 8, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Andrew Bynum says his knees are better and he still plans on playing this season for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bynum refused to offer a possible return date. He says he should be running and shooting by the end of the week. Bynum has started working out on a treadmill.

Bynum has missed all 35 games this season because of bone bruises in both knees. He says there's nothing he can do, ''but wait.''

He's hopeful he'll avoid another setback. Bynum says his right knee feels fine and the pain is going away in his left.

The 25-year-old center is in the final year of his contract and he could sign a five-year deal worth more than $100 million in the offseason, if he's healthy. But his uncertain status could be costing the All-Star millions.

The Sixers acquired the 7-foot center from the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.