Raptors' forward Jermaine O'Neal has advised young Lakers' center Andrew Bynum to be patient regarding the knee troubles that have plagued him.

"It's just important for him to be patient," said O'Neal, who has dealt with some of the same knee issues as Bynum.

Bynum admitted on Monday that he had some swelling in his left knee last week, the first acknowledgment of anything resembling a setback since his return from a season-ending kneecap injury in January.

"I talked to him a little bit about his knee," O'Neal said. "He's still working through that. It's going to be hard to tell (how well Bynum will play this season) until he actually gets healthy. But we all know what kind of talent he has.

"I just told him (Sunday), `Take your time.' He was telling me he still has a little bit of things going on. But (I told him), `Just take your time.' Longevity is on his side. They have enough talent, enough big guys to really step in and pick up the slack.

"So, it's important for him to stay focused because he has a huge future in this league. He's so young. I know he wants to get back out there. He just has to be patient."

Via Press Telegram

Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors

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