EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Andrew Bynum survived the playoffs on his injured right knee, so the Los Angeles Lakers center is taking a few extra weeks to celebrate their title before getting the problem fixed for good.
Bynum's knee was drained Tuesday for the third time in recent weeks, and the 7-footer will have surgery next month to repair a partially torn ligament.
But with the Lakers' blessing, Bynum is headed to the World Cup in South Africa before undergoing surgery around July 18. Recovery time is short for the surgery, and Bynum should be at full strength for training camp this fall.
"It's not the most serious (injury)," Bynum said after his exit interview with the Lakers brass. "I'm going to get it taken care of, and then everything is supposed to be cool."
One day after a victory parade celebrating their second straight championship, most of the Lakers gathered at their training complex. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher will depart for the summer Wednesday, when coach Phil Jackson also might reveal his plans for next season.
Although Bynum has been dogged by various injuries throughout his career, he decided to postpone surgery when his torn meniscus was discovered during the first-round series against Oklahoma City. Although he felt strong in some games and pained in others, he gritted his way through all 23, averaging 8.6 points and 6.9 rebounds while earning his teammates' respect.
Forward Pau Gasol called Bynum's tenacity "remarkable. He gave his best. He sacrificed himself in order to help the team and have a better chance to win the championship."
At least a few players likely visited the complex for the final time as Lakers - and not just Adam Morrison, the former No. 3 draft pick who became the Lakers' best-paid practice player since arriving from Charlotte in early 2009.
While Morrison realizes the Lakers are highly unlikely to re-sign him after barely playing this season, other Los Angeles regulars might strike out to capitalize on their successful season.
Point guard Jordan Farmar all but confirmed he'll leave the Lakers to seek a starting job elsewhere, saying he's determined to take a major role for an NBA club after being a backup in his native Los Angeles. After four years, he also doesn't feel he fits very well in the triangle offense.
"It's definitely a struggle for me, because my role hasn't expanded much in four years," said Farmar, a former UCLA star. "That was the plan every year, to get me more (action), but it hasn't happened. I've been a really key part of this run, but I'm used to having the ball in my hands ... and (being a backup) is not what I've done my whole life. It's been a bit of a battle."
Guard Shannon Brown said he hasn't decided whether to opt out of a contract that would pay him $2.21 million next year. After emerging as a dependable backup this season, the high-flying dunker wants to show more of his complete game next season - but he doesn't share Farmar's determination to do it at any cost.
"I just want to be somewhat secure in some sense," said Brown, who averaged 8.1 points in the regular season before his minutes dipped in the playoffs. "I would love to stay in L.A. and play for the Lakers. That's no question. I said the other day, I don't know why anyone would break up a championship team, and that's what we are, two times in a row. ... I hope (to return). I don't want to go nowhere."
Bryant and Sasha Vujacic are the Lakers' only guards under contract for next season. After sinking the final two free throws in the Lakers' Game 7 victory, the Slovenian guard hopes to continue his growth next year, perhaps playing more at point guard - after a trip to Wimbledon to watch his girlfriend, Maria Sharapova.
"I love it," Vujacic said of playing point guard. "It's a big responsibility. (Jackson) was testing me, putting me out there not only this year but years before.
"I used to play point guard in Europe."
Other Lakers are simply grateful the season is finally over. Forward Lamar Odom said he might have surgery on his sore left shoulder, but he'll first head to Mexico for a two-week vacation with his wife, Khloe Kardashian.
"I got married in front of the reality world and came to training camp the next day," Odom said with a sigh. "I'll fall asleep right now. Right on this chair."