The Lakers don't need Bynum for the regular season -- they need him for the playoffs. That was my struggle with what WOW was saying -- I hadn't heard anything that said that Bynum would miss the playoffs -- from everything I hear, he is supposed to use the final two weeks to get back into game shape and practice with the Lakers (esp. with the addition of Gasol). The Lakers without Bynum won't win a championship -- with him the Lakers aren't a lock but it will make for some great playoff games.