Bynum to undergo surgery on both knees

Philadelphia 76ers’ Andrew Bynum, center, sits on the bench as his team plays against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, March 2, 2013, in Philadelphia. Bynum is sidelined with an injured right knee but the 76ers won 104-97. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum will undergo surgery on both knees on Tuesday, meaning he will miss the entire NBA season due to injury, the team announced on Monday.

Bynum, a former All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers who was traded last August in a four-team deal that sent Dwight Howard from Orlando to the Lakers, might never play for the 76ers. He will become a free agent after this season.

“After many months of rehabilitation and consulting with numerous doctors, Andrew and the doctors treating him determined that this is the best course of action at this point,” 76ers general manager Tony DiLeo said.

“We will continue to monitor and evaluate his status moving forward.”

Bynum, 25, will have objects removed from within the knees in order to alleviate pain and swelling that has persisted since last season.

Last year, Bynum went to Germany for treatment on his knees. He underwent a non-surgical procedure, Orthokine therapy, which uses proteins derived from the patient’s own blood.

In September, Bynum was diagnosed with a bone bruise of the right knee and he hurt his left knee in November while bowling.

Bynum missed only six games last season, averaging career highs of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, but he has played a full 82-game season only once in his seven-year career after being taken 10th overall by the Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft.

The 76ers made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons but were last in the Atlantic Division this year at 25-40.