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Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum will sit out three weeks as a precaution after receiving knee treatment in Germany.
Bynum had injections of plasma-rich platelets that supposedly stimulate healing in arthritis-affected areas in both of his knees. The Sixers said last week he was cleared to play in camp. The team said Monday that Bynum also had a bone bruise on his right knee. He will continue to participate in low-impact conditioning drills.
Bynum came to Philadelphia with an oversized warning label on his achy knees. He's been plagued by problems in the past, one reason he sought out the same treatment — called Orthokine — in Germany used by former Los Angeles teammate Kobe Bryant and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.
The Sixers acquired Bynum from the Lakers in a four-team deal that saw them ship Andre Iguodala to Denver. He is set to make $16.1 million this season in the final year of his contract.
Bynum is coming off his best NBA season after averaging career highs with 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds while making his first All-Star team, starting for the West.
Around the league
Lakers • Acquired in an offseason trade with Orlando, Dwight Howard says he's ready to learn about winning from Bryant. But Howard still says he has no timetable for his return to the court from offseason back surgery, discounting rumors he's targeting Los Angeles' season opener Oct. 30.
Thunder • NBA Sixth Man of the Year James Harden is holding out hope that he'll reach terms on a contract extension with Oklahoma City by the end of the month.
Harden said Monday at the team's preseason media day that he's willing to sacrifice to make it work and he's focused on "hooping," and not on the contract negotiations.
• The Chicago Bulls have given coach Tom Thibodeau a four-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season.
Sixers • Philadelphia has picked up the 2013-14 option on coach Doug Collins' contract. Collins led the Sixers to the playoffs in his first two seasons with the team.