The Lakers ripped off a run of 17 wins in 18 games, during which Bynum was awesome. Particularly so in 11 March games, in which Bynum finished with fewer than 12 rebounds twice, and had eight multi-block games. As a team, the Lakers allowed only 91.3 points a game for the month, holding opponents to 42 percent shooting -- their best marks of the season. Again, this was the influence of Bynum. He was changing shots to the point ESPN.com's J.A. Adande actually invented a stat for him (S.A.B.O.A., or Shots Altered by Bynum's Outstretched Arms). Scoring became secondary (though he still did enough of it), as for the first time in his career, Bynum truly committed to the idea of dominating defensively and on the glass, something the Lakers had implored of him for years.
Turned out, he kinda liked it.
In April, Bynum had a three-game stretch in which he snagged 56 rebounds. Overall, following the break, Bynum shot over 60 percent from the field, and averaged 12.4 rebounds in only 31 minutes per game. Huge numbers, in terms of boards per minute. In the playoffs, Bynum posted 15 points and 10.3 boards, with nearly two blocks in six games against the Hornets, and had two very productive games against the Mavs, which is more than most of his teammates could say. Overall, Bynum graduated from "guy who elevates L.A.'s title hopes simply by being present and extremely tall" to "guy who elevates L.A.'s title chances because he's a bad, bad man." It was the best run of sustained success seen from Bynum since the start of the 2007-08 season, before suffering the knee injury opening the door for Pau Gasol's arrival.
Put together, it was everything about the risk/reward associated with Bynum. Moments of great potential and performance mixed with questions of health (you can't forget the missed games) and maturity, less regarding his jaunt to South Africa and more about worrisome, suspension worthy fouls delivered to Michael Beasley and J.J. Barea, the latter costing him the first five games of next year, whenever it rolls around.
Nor is his future in L.A. iron clad. Bynum's trade value will never be higher than it is right now. The Lakers have needs, and a serious financial decision to make on him. Add in hints he may not be so satisfied with third-to-fourth banana status going forward, and there are plenty of questions.
http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lak ... drew-bynum
Bynum is going to make 15 mill next year with a team option at 16 mill the year after that. What should we do with the young fella. When he is on his game I wouldn't trade him for any other center. The problem is consistency. As a laker fan I pretty much understand Jim Buss's intentions. He loves Bynum like Cuban loves Dirk. With the new CBA whatever that may be, it could cripple the lakers if we give him max dollars. decisions, decisions. IMO sign him and hope he becomes what we all think he can become.
