LOS ANGELES — The ongoing saga of Andrew Bynum has turned into the never-ending story.

The projection for the Lakers' center to return from a serious knee injury was pushed into the unknown and perhaps stretched credulity yesterday when Bynum was not cleared for full practice or contact drills after an examination by New York specialist Dr. David Altchek.

Coach Phil Jackson wouldn't speculate on any timetable for Bynum's return. He acknowledged before yesterday's game that it is bad news, but he said he understands the turn of events.

"There's a sense of disappointment," Jackson said. "He's been practicing a little bit. But this is not unexpected. He's had a little bit of swelling around that knee persistent for the last week or so it's probably a good decision to back him off a little bit."

Despite Altchek's statement in a release that "this should not be seen as a setback in any way," it is a significant blow to hope that Bynum would be a factor in at least the early postseason, which starts April 19.

Bynum must get cleared medically to practice and demonstrate healthy recoveries in successive days.

He would then have the daunting reality of being thrown into the playoffs more than three months after he suffered a bone bruise and briefly dislocated left kneecap.

Would the Lakers consider shelving Bynum for good?

"I don't think anybody would even consider that," Jackson said. "If he's able to play, he can contribute."

Bynum was not available for comment before the game.

The Lakers will continue with Pau Gasol at center. They could lean on Chris Mihm, who played yesterday for the first time since March 30, although Jackson is more inclined to use DJ Mbenga for a physical inside presence.

Earlier this week, the Lakers held faint hope that Bynum might practice Saturday and Jackson had even left open the possibility that if Bynum came out OK he might be available Sunday against San Antonio.

Jackson said yesterday that Bynum's medical camp had pushed for Bynum to return early while the Lakers were thinking early next week.

Bynum suffered the injury Jan.13 when he was averaging 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.06 blocks a game and led the NBA in field-goal percentage at 63.6 percent.