Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum had fluid removed from his troublesome right knee three days before the start of the NBA Finals, the team said on Monday.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum had fluid removed from his troublesome right knee three days before the start of the NBA Finals, the team said on Monday.

The 22-year-old had just over two-and-a-half ounces drained by the team's physician early on Monday, according to a Lakers spokesman.

Bynum, who has averaged 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds in the post-season, hyperextended his right knee a month ago against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Although the seven-foot center has continued to start for the defending NBA champions, the injury has limited his effectiveness and playing time.

"Andrew is going to give us what he can," Lakers head coach Phil Jackson told reporters after the team beat the Phoenix Suns on Saturday to win the Western Conference championship.

"He's not a hundred percent but he's throwing himself in there. He'll do the job."

The Lakers will face arch-rivals the Boston Celtics in the best-of-seven NBA Finals with Game One being played in Los Angeles on Thursday.