LOS ANGELES -- He spent the first part of Tuesday repeatedly jogging up and down a steep sand dune. His other preparation: extensive time on the exercise bike and in the pool, where he's able to jump up and down off each foot with no problem.

Yet when the NBA Finals begin Wednesday night, George Lynch will be seated on the visitors bench, most likely with a protective boot on his mending left foot. After waiting eight years for an opportunity to play in the NBA Finals, the 6'8" small forward has been reduced to being a spectator.

"Frustrating? Of course it is," says Lynch, seated on the visitor's bench of the Staples Center, his left foot extended across an adjoining chair. "Eight years in the league, my first opportunity to play in the Finals and I'm missing it ... it's tough."

Lynch says he will play. His doctor says Game 4 next Friday in Philadelphia, and Lynch says by next Wednesday's Game 3.

"One or two days, what's the difference," Lynch said. "I've been watching."

Yesterday Lynch did make some progress, getting an opportunity to be on the floor shooting with his team -- he just shot, he did not practice -- for the first time since his injury.

Would it be to Philly's gain should Lynch return? He's perhaps the team's most tenacious defender, who drew the tough defensive assignment most nights. And while it's true his replacement in the starting lineup, Jumaine Jones, has given the Sixers more offense from the small forward position, Lynch's savvy would be appreciated, particularly against a strong offensive team like the Lakers.

"The hardest thing is sitting on the bench, seeing areas where I can help, and not being able to," Lynch said. "I want to play because, at this point, we need as many healthy bodies as possible."

Lynch is sorry he won't be on the court for the opening games against the Lakers, the team that selected him with the 12th pick of the 1993 draft. Just months before that draft, Lynch was a member of the North Carolina team that won the NCAA championship.

"A great, great experience," Lynch said.

After playing on an injured foot part of the season, Lynch suffered the fracture during a drive to the basket in a second round against Toronto. And while the Sixers have not missed a beat, his teammates hate to see him suffer.

"I know his stomach's turning over," says teammate Tyrone Hill. "He does all the dirty work for us, and to not play? I really feel his pain, but he's been upbeat throughout the whole situation."

Upbeat, and hoping that the Sixers at least make the Finals competitive -- maybe even steal a game at the Staples Center. That scenario would allow Lynch to return to a series that is still up for grabs. And until he gets that doctor's okay, Lynch will keep running the sand dunes, riding the exercise bike and jumping in the pool. Not knowing when he'll get the opportunity again to play in the Finals, Lynch is determined to get a taste of the experience next week.

"Two minutes to spell someone, it doesn't matter," Lynch said. "All I want to do is play."