It's looking more and more unlikely that Lakers center Andrew Bynum will join his teammates in practice by Thanksgiving.

Bynum said he'll undergo an MRI exam on his right knee Tuesday and with medical clearance will then begin jumping and lateral movements.

He said, however, he will not join team practice for a week or two weeks after that.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson had projected a Dec. 10 return for Bynum, but his recent comments indicate a return around Dec. 17 is more likely.

"It's not a good feeling, but at the end of the day, I have to be healthy for the long term," Bynum said. "My career is still young, and I want to be able to play as many years as possible."

Bynum said he is feeling no pain in his right knee, which underwent July 28 surgery to reattach torn meniscus.