Post#9 » by Kilroy » Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:39 pm
I think this has a lot less to do with Bynums knee than it does with Bynums desire for a new contract...
I think what we're seeing is Mitch playing hard-ball with Bynum's agent and his agent getting pissed cause he ended up looking foolish.
My personal feelings about this is that the timing of Bynum's contract demands is really unfortunate and a little dissappointing.
I mean, I'm sorry he got hurt, but lets face it, he showed very little in the way of justification for a new contract. Yeah he had a few good games but I know it'd be hard for me as an owner to justify a big pay raise for him based on that string...
I really think Bynum has some external pressure on him to make it big as fast as possible, and I think that's too bad for such a young guy. When he first got to the Lakers, his family had a lot to say about his situation. Since he's been here he's made comments about being an all star and the best etc. Which on the surface could just mean he's a young dude that's excited but coupled with the other stuff, it could indicate he's in hurry or under some pressure. That's fine and all and in fact might be the mark of an excellent player, but I just hope he (or his family) isn't getting frustrated with the rate he's developing and start thinking he could do better elsewhere...
I mean, has anybody thought about how the Gasol acquisition coming after his injury and after Kobe's criticism, and the subsequent success of the Gasol Lakers might have messed with Bynum's head? He really hasn't had a whole lot to say publicly since then...
I just hope his pressing for a new contract isn't a result of him feeling like he either gets paid by the Lakers now or goes somewhere where he can be the star...
Does anybody really think Bynum 'Didn't Know' he was supposed to talk to the press after the Exit Meetings?