Andrew Bynum says he won't play until early December

The return date moved again, ever so slightly.

In the latest shift of time, Lakers center Andrew Bynum said he hoped to return to practice soon but wouldn't be appearing in any games until early December.

"Hopefully in a week or so, I'm practicing," he said Wednesday, backing off his earlier plan to be playing by Thanksgiving.

Bynum's extended absence from off-season knee surgery, coupled with reserve center Theo Ratliff being sidelined at least four to six weeks after knee surgery of his own, could bring slightly more urgency to the Lakers' plans to add a big man to an ever-thinning frontcourt.

They have talked to the representative for free agent Jake Voskuhl, a 6-foot-11 center known for his physical play, and they are also interested in Paul Davis, a 6-11 center as well.

Voskuhl, 33, has career averages of four points and 3.4 rebounds a game.

Davis, 26, spent three seasons with the Clippers before playing only two games with Washington last season. He has career averages of 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds.