Future looks bright for Bynum, Lakers

[2Cleva]

Future looks bright for Bynum, Lakers

By Johnny Ludden, Yahoo! Sports
1 hour, 37 minutes ago


LOS ANGELES – One by one, they strutted onto the Staples Center floor Tuesday night, a parade of stars, all destined to be forever remembered for their roles in the Los Angeles Lakers’ famed family.

Khloe. Kim. Even Mama Kardashian.

Jerry West, James Worthy and Magic Johnson would eventually get a few minutes of court time, too. The Lakers lined up their legends on opening night, distributed their three-carat bling, and even the youngest among them seemed genuinely enthused. Bouncing on his toes, smile stretched across his face, Andrew Bynum(notes) beamed as he accepted his championship ring.

“Best gift I’ve ever gotten,” he said.

What goes unsaid: No one around here expects it to be his last. Bynum turned just 22 on Tuesday, and if that doesn’t worry the rest of the Western Conference, then this should: He celebrated his birthday with 26 points and 13 rebounds, treating the Los Angeles Clippers’ frontline like a piñata in the Lakers’ 99-92 victory.

Never has the Lakers’ young center looked this good this early.

“I’m healthy,” Bynum said. “It feels good to be able to say that.”

For all of the offseason acquisitions the Lakers’ closest challengers made over the summer – Shaquille O’Neal(notes), Vince Carter(notes), Richard Jefferson(notes), Andre Miller(notes) – only Kevin Garnett’s(notes) return in Boston threatens to have a greater impact on the league’s balance of power than a whole and hungry Bynum.

Bynum missed nearly half of last season with a right knee injury and, despite receiving minimal contributions from him in the playoffs (6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds per game), the Lakers still won the NBA Finals. If Bynum continues to play as he did against the Clippers – and the team otherwise avoids significant injury – then the Lakers have a strong chance of making their championship coronation a repeat event. Or more.

“Our goal should be to break the Bulls’ [72-win] record,” Bynum said. “I know that’s much easier to say than do, but we have that kind of a team.”

In the rugged West, that’s a stretch. But Bynum gives the Lakers reason to dream. Already, he looks both leaner and faster. After taking a month off to backpack around Europe, he spent much of the remainder of the summer working on strengthening his lower body. In previous years, Bynum weighed close to 290 pounds at the start of camp. This year he checked in at 272.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson isn’t quite ready to declare that Bynum has regained the level of dominance he showed just before he injured his knee at the end of January. In the five games prior to the injury, Bynum averaged 26.2 points and 13.8 rebounds. Kobe Bryant(notes) also is quick to caution that “with him, focus is always key.”

But Jackson and Bryant do have a better idea of what their 7-foot center is capable of delivering. With Pau Gasol(notes) sitting out Tuesday’s game with a hamstring strain, the Lakers repeatedly found Bynum around the rim.

“It’s very hard to keep Andrew away from the basket,” Jackson said. “That’s going to be a force to be reckoned with. Andrew’s developed a lot of moves on his own and he has a desire to score, so he’s going to score points.”

Bynum’s defensive game still has considerable room to grow, but no longer do the Lakers wonder whether he’ll be able to realize his enormous potential. Now, only one question seems to hang over Bynum: Can he stay healthy?

Even Bynum can’t provide a definitive answer. A pair of knee injuries (left and right) have cut short his past two seasons. Both injuries were considered something of a fluke, considering each came after a collision with a teammate. Still, the old GM’s adage also holds true: Some players just seem to get hurt.

Bynum’s run of bad luck led Forbes Magazine to name him the NBA’s most overpaid player earlier this month – even ahead of do-nothings Eddy Curry(notes) and Jerome James(notes).

“Despite putting up meager numbers during his first three seasons, the Lakers, still intrigued with Bynum’s ‘project’ potential, invested four more years and $58 million in him after the 2007-08 season,” Forbes’ Tom Van Riper wrote.

Never mind that the contract extension didn’t kick in until this season. Or that only the first three years are guaranteed. Forbes’ point was clear: Bynum hasn’t played enough (or well enough) to warrant such money.

The problem with that premise? With young big men, teams are always gambling on potential. Patience isn’t just the best prescription, it’s the only one. For the Lakers, this very well could be the season they get full return on their investment.

“This is definitely a new beginning,” Bynum said. “I’m expecting big things from myself.”

The rest of the West would be wise to expect the same. Andrew Bynum walked out of Staples Center with one ring on his right hand and another in his sights. At 22, he’s not planning on this being his final celebration.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Akkn4y.iMb3mURWom7CrCyS8vLYF?slug=jy-bynumlakers102809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[21_Blessings]

The NBA is completely fucked if Bynum keeps dominating like this.

Pau will get plenty of rest while Bynum carries the front court load. Then Pau will be unleashed in the playoffs.

[tlongII]

The Lakers are doomed. DOOMED.

[21_Blessings]

2 pts, 7 turnovers, 5 fouls lol Oden

[tlongII]

12 boards and 5 BLOCKED SHOTS!

:lol

[Xylus]

You can file Andrew Bynum under "Players who don't deserve their championship ring."

[Mel_13]

12 boards and 5 BLOCKED SHOTS!

:lol


there remains no explanation for how an athletic 7-foot center could be completely devoid of low-post moves

[ginobili's bald spot]

You can file Andrew Bynum under "Players who don't deserve their championship ring."

Stupid statement.

[21_Blessings]

You can file Andrew Bynum under "Players who don't deserve their championship ring."

Except he did deserve it. Don't be jealous.

You can file Steve Nash under "Players who don't deserve back to back MVPs" though.

[DeadlyDynasty]

12 boards and 5 BLOCKED SHOTS!

:lol

Greg Oden: 2 pts, 12 rebs, 1 asst, 5 blocks, 7 turnovers, and 5 fouls:

Andrew Bynum: 26 pts, 13 rebs, 2 asst, 1 block, 2 turnovers, and 3 fouls


And Oden was going against a 6-6 reserve power forward:lmao

[DeadlyDynasty]

You can file Andrew Bynum under "Players who don't deserve their championship ring."

you can file the phoenix suns under "irrelevant."

[LA24]

12 boards and 5 BLOCKED SHOTS!

:lol




And Oden was going against a 6-6 reserve power forward:lmao

Ah, so that's how he got those 5 blocks.

[ginobili's bald spot]

Ah, so that's how he got those 5 blocks.

And he almost fouled out in the process.

[LA24]

And he almost fouled out in the process.

So trying to swat at every shot and being close to fouling out.
Hey, that's sounds like Mbenga.

[Xylus]

Up to this point in his career, Andrew Bynum has been the most overhyped piece of garbage in the league. I've never seen a guy get so much acclaim for doing so little.

Where would the Lakers be without Bynum's stellar career playoff averages?

5.7 ppg
3.8 rpg
46% FG
60% FT
0.8 bpg


Just for LOLZ, here are Kwame Brown's career playoff stats:

8.6 ppg
5.8 rpg
50% FG
66% FT
0.8 bpg

Lakers would have won the championship last year with or without Bynum. I doubt he'll ever be a contributing force in a championship run.

[ginobili's bald spot]

So trying to swat at every shot and being close to fouling out.
Hey, that's sounds like Mbenga.

His low post arsenal is similar as DJ's as well. :lol

[21_Blessings]

Lakers would have won the championship last year with or without Bynum. I doubt he'll ever be a contributing force in a championship run.

Actually Bynum contributed plenty to a ring last year.

Steve Nash however will retire ringless. So in actuality, Nash will never be a contributing force in a championship run. Couldn't even make the playoffs with Amare and Shaq on his team. :lol

[DeadlyDynasty]

Up to this point in his career, Andrew Bynum has been the most overhyped piece of garbage in the league. I've never seen a guy get so much acclaim for doing so little.

Where would the Lakers be without Bynum's stellar career playoff averages?

5.7 ppg
3.8 rpg
46% FG
60% FT
0.8 bpg


Just for LOLZ, here are Kwame Brown's career playoff stats:

8.6 ppg
5.8 rpg
50% FG
66% FT
0.8 bpg

Lakers would have won the championship last year with or without Bynum. I doubt he'll ever be a contributing force in a championship run.
Jesus christ man, he just turned 22 years old and has had 2 great season starts halted by knee injuries (one being a freak accident). He has a plethora of low-post moves and is only going to get better. If you really like those stats that you posted how bout you petition Kerr to get Kwame? I'm sure Kwame has better paint production than Amare "I'll just settle for a jumper" Stoudemire. Plus Kerr loves to make boneheaded decisions

[Ghazi]

Actually Bynum contributed plenty to a ring last year.

Steve Nash however will retire ringless. So in actuality, Nash will never be a contributing force in a championship run. Couldn't even make the playoffs with Amare and Shaq on his team. :lol

His size and presence will always impact a game regardless of his putrid stats, but "plenty"? :lol

[Xylus]

The stats speak for themselves. The guy is garbage. Lakers fans have been talking about how great this guy is for the past few years, but he's never given any reason to think he's a special talent.

[tlongII]

Chris Kaman (C) : 18 points 16 rebounds
Marcus Camby (C) : 14 points 6 rebounds

:lmao

[Xylus]

It's funny how the argument keeps turning to the Suns, even though they have nothing to do with Andrew Bynum. Seems to me like there's no justification for the 24-hour rimjob Bynum gets from Laker fans.

He's just not a great player, probably never will be (especially if injuries keep hampering his production). Ah well, another year, another 500 Andrew Bynum threads.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Chris Kaman (C) : 18 points 16 rebounds
Marcus Camby (C) : 14 points 6 rebounds

:lmao

I know, isn't it hilarious that the Clippers 2 big men had good games against an elite team while Greg Oden had 2 points against a 6-6 reserve PF on a potential non-playoff team?


Tlong you're the gift that keeps on giving:lmao:lmao:lmao

[DeadlyDynasty]

Ah well, another year, another pointless Suns season.

fify:toast

[Xylus]

fify:toast

Good rebuttal. You've clearly won this argument. :wakeup

[Xylus]

I've got a new nickname for Bynum: The Potential. Should be accurate for his entire career.

[tlongII]

I know, isn't it hilarious that the Clippers 2 big men had good games against an elite team while Greg Oden had 2 points against a 6-6 reserve PF on a potential non-playoff team?


Tlong you're the gift that keeps on giving:lmao:lmao:lmao

Yes, it is hilarious that Bynum can't play a lick of defense!

:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao

[LA24]

The stats speak for themselves. The guy is garbage. Lakers fans have been talking about how great this guy is for the past few years, but he's never given any reason to think he's a special talent.

Stats don't take injuries and being on a stacked team into consideration. He wasn't even at 100% in the playoffs health-wise. Bynum's "career playoffs averages ?" That was the kid's 1st PL appearance.

Call him overhyped all you want but don't call him garbage.

[TheMACHINE]

It's funny how the argument keeps turning to the Suns, even though they have nothing to do with Andrew Bynum. Seems to me like there's no justification for the 24-hour rimjob Bynum gets from Laker fans.

He's just not a great player, probably never will be (especially if injuries keep hampering his production). Ah well, another year, another 500 Andrew Bynum threads.

seems like you need to watch more of Bynum.

[Purple & Gold]

LOL @ xylus the crying sun fan

[Xylus]

Call him overhyped all you want but don't call him garbage.

Fair enough. I'll say, though, that he's extremely overhyped.

It wasn't his first playoff appearance, either, but it was his first as a starter.

[Purple & Gold]

tlong face it Oden will never be as good as Bynum

[ginobili's bald spot]

The stats speak for themselves. The guy is garbage. Lakers fans have been talking about how great this guy is for the past few years, but he's never given any reason to think he's a special talent.

He's 22 years old moron. And he had 26 and 13 last night. WTF are you talking about?

[sonic21]

I dont think Bynum is overrated hes only 21. But i do think Lamar and Pau are better than him. And that won't change this year.

[Xylus]

He's 22 years old moron. And he had 26 and 13 last night. WTF are you talking about?

He has breakout nights just like anyone else. His averages will come back to down to Earth as the season progresses, before he gets injured, probably something to the tune of 15 and 8. A far cry from the All-NBA status many of you have given him.

[DeadlyDynasty]

I've got a new nickname for Bynum: The Potential. Should be accurate for his entire career.

You conveniently ignore the fact that he just turned 22. You're going off playoff averages from 2 suns series when he was 19 and 20 years old, as well as this past season when he was just coming off a knee injury. Are you really so dense as to ignore his regular season production (when he was healthy) and his age to support your failing argument? Yeah, he played poorly when he was 19 and 20 so I guess he's fucked for his career...that's basically your rationale. Yeah good luck with that, son.

If Bynum's the potential, what is Amare?

I have a funny feeling you wont answer the question...

[DeadlyDynasty]

Yes, it is hilarious that Bynum can't play a lick of defense!

:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao

Bynum won't need to play defense with Greg Oden's offensive prowess:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

2 points against a reserve power forward...watch out NBA!:rollin

[ginobili's bald spot]

His averages will come back to down to Earth as the season progresses, before he gets injured, probably something to the tune of 15 and 8.

Yea 15 & 8 is garbage. You must watch a lot of NBA basketball. :rolleyes

[Xylus]

You conveniently ignore the fact that he just turned 22. You're going off playoff averages from 2 suns series when he was 19 and 20 years old, as well as this past season when he was just coming off a knee injury. Are you really so dense as to ignore his regular season production (when he was healthy) and his age to support your failing argument? Yeah, he played poorly when he was 19 and 20 so I guess he's fucked for his career...that's basically your rationale. Yeah good luck with that, son.

If Bynum's the potential, what is Amare?

I have a funny feeling you wont answer the question...

As for Bynum's age, he's only 22, but this is his 5th year in the league. It's time for him to step up, or for everyone else to shut up.

Amare's been a disappointment, for sure. But I'm not sure you want to turn this into an Amare vs. Bynum argument, especially since Amare was dropping 30, 11, and 2 blocks in the playoffs at that age.

[koriwhat]

i'm no lakers fan but last night bynum shined quite a bit.

[Xylus]

Yea 15 & 8 is garbage. You must watch a lot of NBA basketball. :rolleyes

I already acknowledged that garbage is too strong a word. Pay attention.

[ginobili's bald spot]

I already acknowledged that garbage is too strong a word. Pay attention.

It's a word you chose. It just shows your lack of credibility in this argument.

[DeadlyDynasty]

As for Bynum's age, he's only 22, but this is his 5th year in the league. It's time for him to step up, or for everyone else to shut up.

Amare's been a disappointment, for sure. But I'm not sure you want to turn this into an Amare vs. Bynum argument, especially since Amare was dropping 30, 11, and 2 blocks in the playoffs at that age.

He had very abbreviated seasons the last 2 years--years where he showed marked improvement before the injuries. He's putting up just fine--he just needs to stay healthy (last year was a fluke accident, could've happened to anybody).

I have no problem going to a Bynum-Amare comparison. Amare's stats have been much better, but it's pretty clear that the 2 are headed in polar opposite directions in their careers

[DeadlyDynasty]

I already acknowledged that garbage is too strong a word. Pay attention.

15 and 8 for a 22 y/o CENTER who's improving every year...yeah who needs that. Overrated, let's kick this bum off the team, he wont make it on any other roster

[Xylus]

It's a word you chose. It just shows your lack of credibility in this argument.

My lack of credibility? What exactly have you contributed to this topic, other than to cite the stats of one game?

[Xylus]

He had very abbreviated seasons the last 2 years--years where he showed marked improvement before the injuries. He's putting up just fine--he just needs to stay healthy (last year was a fluke accident, could've happened to anybody).

I have no problem going to a Bynum-Amare comparison. Amare's stats have been much better, but it's pretty clear that the 2 are headed in polar opposite directions in their careers

If Bynum stays healthy, he might be a contributing factor. Greg Oden might be, too, if he stays healthy... but you guys serve up an even greater amount of bile about Oden than I do about Bynum.

And you're right about Amare and Bynum heading in different directions--one is the primary offense on a mediocre team, the other is riding the coattails of several greater talents.

[sonic21]

I didn't see Bynum do anything special in the playoffs other then being on the winning side.

[21_Blessings]

http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200712250LAL.html :lol, that was two years ago.

Xylus is just bitter that his team is terrible and Bynum is turning into a better player than Amare.

Stop living in the past dude. Raja was trade ages ago.

[ambchang]

Best gift I’ve ever gotten.


Considered how little he did last year, you can at least say that he is appreciative.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Considered how little he did last year, you can at least say that he is appreciative.

Kinda like D-Rob in 2003

[21_Blessings]

Kinda like D-Rob in 2003

Ouch!

[tlongII]

tlong face it Oden will never be as good as Bynum

Wrong. He's already better than Bynum.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Wrong. He's already better than Bynum.

just compare the boxscores from yesterday:lmao

[ambchang]

Kinda like D-Rob in 2003

Bynum was the defensive anchor of the Lakers last year?

[ginobili's bald spot]

My lack of credibility? What exactly have you contributed to this topic, other than to cite the stats of one game?

What have you contributed to this thread besides coming in here and making outlandish statements which you've already had to back down from because you looked like an idiot? The fact is that when he has been healthy Bynum has shown the ability to put up those kind of stats consistently. He still averaged 14 & 8 last year despite getting injured. He was lighting it up for the month prior to getting injured for the last two seasons when he was 20 and 21 years old. I guess that's "showing nothing" right? Because there are just sooo many centers putting up those numbers in the NBA right? :rolleyes especially at 20-22 years old. If you watched basketball you would know that last night wasn't an anomaly for Bynum. That is how he has played for the past couple seasons when healthy. Now if you want to call him injury prone that's one thing. But saying he's shown nothing and hasn't shown any potential is just a retarded statement with no basis in fact.

[Xylus]

What have you contributed to this thread besides coming in here and making outlandish statements which you've already had to back down from because you looked like an idiot? The fact is that when he has been healthy Bynum has shown the ability to put up those kind of stats consistently. He still averaged 14 & 8 last year despite getting injured. He was lighting it up for the month prior to getting injured for the last two seasons when he was 20 and 21 years old. I guess that's "showing nothing" right? Because there are just sooo many centers putting up those numbers in the NBA right? :rolleyes especially at 20-22 years old. If you watched basketball you would know that last night wasn't an anomaly for Bynum. That is how he has played for the past couple seasons when healthy. Now if you want to call him injury prone that's one thing. But saying he's shown nothing and hasn't shown any potential is just a retarded statement with no basis in fact.

Bynum has shown the ability to put up good stats every few games, but he's horribly inconsistent. Just looking at box scores, he either shows up or he doesn't. There are topics every year from multiple Laker fans that proclaim that Bynum is an All-NBA quality player, but he's never put up the numbers or put in the effort to even be considered. Last night wasn't an anomaly. He had a handful of 26-and-13 type games last year, but he had even more games where he put up 10-and-6 type numbers.

You can't point out a player's breakout games and tell me that's what he's capable of on a nightly basis. Bynum has shown plenty of potential, but I doubt he'll ever be one of the league's Top 5 Centers.

[21_Blessings]

You can't point out box scores where Bynum was clearly not close to 100% either.

Statistical inconsistency happens when you're on a stacked team.

When Bynum has been healthy in the past couple seasons he has been consistently good though. Denying that is pure hate or jealousy on your part.

[Xylus]

I'm looking at random box scores from the first couple of months of last season, which is when he was at his best.

18 and 3
10 and 7
18 and 9
15 and 10
8 and 4
13 and 11
24 and 6
8 and 10
13 and 7
13 and 4

Those are just a handful from December and January that I picked randomly, when Bynum was in good health. Those are pretty inconsistent numbers.

[21_Blessings]

Bynum averaged 17 and 8 in January and was improving almost every game. He wasn't in good shape to start last season, as he was coming off knee surgery. Try again Xylus!

He's sharing the court with Gasol, Odom, Artest and Kobe - all good rebounders for their positions. I expect his rebounding numbers to vary from game to game.

[Purple & Gold]

LOL again @ xylus

[Xylus]

So Bynum wasn't healthy at the beginning of the season, and was out for much of the 2nd half. Are you telling me that Bynum had one good month last season?

[Xylus]

Bynum had some good performances in January:

42 and 15
23 and 14
24 and 14

This is what I'm talking about with his potential. He has flashes of greatness, he'll go through a week-or-two stretch where he overachieves, and afterward he either comes right back down to his normal level or he gets injured. This is not a player you should expect great things from on a consistent basis.

[LA24]

I'd like to think that if Bynum was a consistent 2nd option (or even a 1st option), his numbers would have more consistency as well. Of course that's just my assumption. But when you're a 3rd/4th option and getting Kobe's and Gasol's (Lamar's) leftovers, it's kinda hard to stat pad.