Bynum: Playing with Kobe "could stunt growth"

Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum took the occasion of a game against his former team to take a bit of a shot at former teammate Kobe Bryant.

Bynum, 25 spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he averaged a career-high 18.7 points last season before he was dealt to the Lakers in a four-team trade last summer.

Speaking of playing with Bryant, Bynum told reporters, "I thought it really helped me a lot obviously at first, because he draws so much attention it's hard for guys to double team and key on you, so it helped me tremendously. Later, I felt I was able to get the ball more and do more things with the ball, so I could definitely see how it could stunt growth."

Bynum added of Dwight Howard, who replaced him as the Lakers' center, "I think Dwight is a great player, but he's going to have to get accustomed to playing with Kobe and not touching the ball every single play."

Bynum has yet to play for the 76ers this season due to bone bruises in both knees. He said before the game that his sore left knee, which has been bothering him more than his right knee, is feeling much better than it did a week ago. He will be examined by doctors Thursday, and at that point, he said, "Hopefully I'll be cleared for impact."

He also said he was disappointed he did not get to face his former team but added, "I guess I'm just excited to play any game at this point."