Lakers’ Bynum still not cleared to play

Lakers center Andrew Bynum had not been cleared for full practices or to play and is doubtful for the start of the playoffs.

There is no specific date set for his return, the Lakers said today.

Bynum was examined by a knee specialist in New York on Wednesday. “Andrew will continue with his therapy program and workouts with the Lakers’ training staff and will continue to be monitored until he can return to playing status,” Dr. David Altchek said.

Bynum has been out since Jan. 13, and Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said earlier this week he hoped Bynum could begin practicing Saturday, and might play his first game Sunday game against San Antonio.

“There’s a chance,” Jackson said Tuesday. “It would have to be under a situation in which he could practice on Saturday in a way that would convince me to play him on Sunday. Right now, we’re certainly not counting on that. It’s just really a longshot.”

Bynum sustained a bone bruise in his left knee and he briefly dislocated his kneecap in the January game.

The Lakers play their last regular-season game on April 15 and the NBA playoffs begin April 19, although the Lakers first playoff game will probably be on April 20.

The Lakers are third in the Western Conference and have four games left in the regular season. The Lakers play a “road” game tonight against the Clippers, then the Lakers play their final three games at home: Friday against New Orleans, Sunday against San Antonio and Tuesday against Sacramento.

Bynum had not gone through a full practice since his injury, although he traveled with the team to Sacramento and Portland this week. In the past week he also took turns playing one-on-one against Chris Mihm and assistant coaches Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw.

Bynum is averaging 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots this season. He averaged 17.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots in six games in January before getting hurt.

Jackson had hoped that Bynum would be ready for the playoffs, especially if the Lakers draw Phoenix in the first round.

“We think that against a guy like Shaquille [O’Neal], he would be an important person to have on your team because he’s got the bulk and the size to put himself out there and stop some of that bull nature that Shaq has,” Jackson said.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com