By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Center Andrew Bynum participated Monday in his first full practice with the Los Angeles Lakers since offseason knee surgery.
Bynum still isn't sure when he'll return to the Lakers' starting lineup, but he intends to play in December.
"I made it through practice with no pain, no symptoms, so it's pretty good," Bynum told reporters after practice. "I just want to get a couple of practices in. I want to play within the month, anywhere. I just want to get enough practices in so it's not too far when I get into a game, I can keep up the pace and stuff like that."
Bynum had no swelling or soreness after scrimmaging with his teammates at the Lakers training complex. He has worked his way back into practice gradually in recent days, participating in some drills and skipping others after offseason surgery to repair a partially torn ligament in his right knee.
Los Angeles' demanding schedule on its upcoming road trip will limit Bynum's opportunities for more practices, but he'll work out daily to continue building strength. After Tuesday's home game against Washington and a "road" game against the Clippers on Wednesday night, the Lakers are off on a six-game East Coast road trip stretching nearly two weeks.
"If we were here, I'd probably have more practices on the days between games," Bynum said. "We'll be working out even if the team does have an off day and just trying to get back some time within the month."
After averaging 15 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Lakers last season, Bynum delayed surgery to participate in the Lakers' run to their second straight NBA title, averaging 8.6 points and 6.9 rebounds while starting all 23 playoff games. Bynum's knee was drained at least twice during the postseason to reduce swelling.
Bynum then made a trip to South Africa for the World Cup with the Lakers' blessing, postponing his surgery for several more weeks.
"He's coming right along," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "He went through every aspect of our practice, so he's putting himself through all the paces and asking for double time to improve his conditioning. He's nearing a time where we're going to be very serious about him going out and playing. ... I just can't put a date (on it)."
Bynum's absence has forced Pau Gasol into a heavy workload with the Lakers, and the Spanish 7-footer has struggled with a strained hamstring in recent weeks. Gasol's health has improved after playing a season-low 27 minutes last Friday against Sacramento, followed by three straight days without a game.
Updated 12/06/10
