Sixers Notes: Sixers' Andrew Bynum says knees are improving

Andrew Bynum, out all season with chronically injured knees, said he feels closer to returning to the court for the 76ers.

Bynum will see orthopedic surgeon David Altchek on Thursday, and the Sixers center said he is optimistic.

"I am feeling much better," Bynum said before Sunday night's game at the Wells Fargo Center against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. "When I see the doctor, hopefully, I will be cleared for impact."

And Bynum is confident on his impact with his new teammates.

"I think I will do wonders for this team, because now we really don't have a post threat, and I will help free up a lot of our guys," Bynum said.

Bynum reiterated that now only his left knee is bothering him. And he said that he is feeling even better than he was last week when he talked to reporters.

When asked whether he had changed much of what he is doing on the court, Bynum replied: "Not really, just shooting around a little with the guys."

When asked whether he had circled the date of playing against his former team, Bynum put things in clear perspective.

"Definitely you always want to play your old team," he said. "I am excited to play any game at this point."

Bynum, speaking to a group of Los Angeles reporters before the game, said Kobe Bryant's ball-hogging hurt his development as a player during his time with the Lakers, according to ESPN.com.

"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," Bynum said, according to the website. "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."

After the game, Bryant agreed with Bynum's comment.

"For sure, because when you're playing with me you obviously have to sacrifice something," Bryant said. " . . . So, I mean, that's true."

Sixers point guard Jrue Holiday missed his second straight game for the 76ers with a sprained left foot.

"I don't think he can play. I think his foot is still too sore," coach Doug Collins said. "It's not us putting a harness on him or holding him back."

Holiday did some light shooting during Sunday morning's shootaround.

Collins guessed that Holiday would probably be out a few more days.

Evan Turner again started at point for the Sixers.

Los Angeles shot 19 of 24 from the foul line while the Sixers were 6 of 11 in Sunday's 111-98 Lakers victory.

"We only had 11 free throws and missed five," Collins said. "We lost by 13 and were minus-13 from the free-throw line."

Over the last five games, the Sixers have attempted 77 free throws compared to 122 for their opponents. Not surprisingly, the Sixers are 1-4 in those games.