Image by Getty Images via @daylifeMILWAUKEE - With backup center Theo Ratliff sidelined a minimum of four to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday, and with Andrew Bynum still unable to play, the Lakers suddenly need help up front.
Pau Gasol has played big minutes after shifting to center from power forward in order to replace Bynum, who could be out for at least another week or more after undergoing surgery on his right knee during the offseason.
Gasol is averaging 22.7 points, 12.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in a team-leading 39 minutes. He had 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in 44 minutes during the Lakers' victory Tuesday over the Milwaukee Bucks.
"Well, we probably should," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said when asked if the team should sign a free agent replacement for Ratliff. "We don't have a lot of experience. - We have to have some support there interim until Andrew comes back."
Bynum deflected questions from several reporters before the Lakers started a three-game trip by defeating the Bucks, asking team spokesman John Black, "Has the no-talking-to-Drew been lifted, J.B? What the (heck) is going on?"
"I don't want to change any expectations," Bynum said when pressed by reporters about ducking them for the past few weeks. When asked if "Thanksgiving sounds about right" for his return to the active roster, Bynum said, "Yes. It sounds about right."
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