LOS ANGELES � The Lakers added a big component to their lineup before the playoffs, activating center Andrew Bynum for Thursday night's game against the Denver Nuggets.

Bynum returned for the first time since he tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee Jan. 31.

The move was anticipated for the Lakers, who are vying for the league's best record. Los Angeles was going for win No. 63 and trying to chase down the Cavaliers, which would guarantee home-court advantage throughout the postseason.

Cleveland (63-15) was idle Thursday night.

Bynum was averaging 14 points and 8.2 rebounds before going down with the injury. He practiced and participated in five-on-five drills with the team late last week.