Updated

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.

"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.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Frank Pingue)