Andrew Bynum says Kobe stunted his development

Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum, who has yet to play a game this season for the Sixers due to knee problems, told ESPN Los Angeles that playing with Kobe Bryant stunted his development.

Bynum said the following about the first seven years of his career which he spent with Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers:

"I thought it really helped me a lot obviously at first, because he draws so much attention it's hard for guys to double team and key on you, so it helped me tremendously," Bynum told a group of L.A. reporters before the Lakers played the Sixers on Sunday. "Later, I felt I was able to get the ball more and do more things with the ball, so I could definitely see how it could stunt growth."

Bynum also said he felt the Sixers did very well in trading for him as he considers himself to be the No. 1 center in the league. Bynum will have an MRI on his knees in New York City on Thursday as he is still dealing with discomfort in his left knee. Bynum has been able to engage in shooting drills but has not been cleared to run yet during his rehab.

Bynum has averaged 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in 26.0 minutes per game during his career. Bynum averaged career-highs in minutes (35.2), points per game (18.7) and rebounds per game (11.8) with the Lakers last season.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.