Bynum coming off the bench for the lakers? (per la times)

[iamworthy]

It's early, but Andrew Bynum is coming off the bench for Lakers

October 5, 2009 | 3:32 pm
It’s early, undoubtedly, but center Andrew Bynum is currently on the Lakers’ second unit.

Lamar Odom played with the starters in Saturday night’s scrimmage, along with Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher.

Apparently, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson is more comfortable going with a unit similar to the one that flourished in the playoffs last season, the obvious exception being Artest in place of Trevor Ariza.

Bynum doesn’t seem concerned by anything, be it a move to the second unit, even if it’s only temporary, or the fact that he’s in the first year of a lucrative contract extension that pays him $12.5 million this season.

Two words he said seemed to sum it up: “No pressure.”

-- Mike Bresnahan

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/10/lakers-andrew-bynum.html

What is Phil thinking on this one?

[AceFresh]

It’s early, undoubtedly, but center Andrew Bynum is currently on the Lakers’ second unit.

Lamar Odom played with the starters in Saturday night’s scrimmage, along with Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher.

Apparently, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson is more comfortable going with a unit similar to the one that flourished in the playoffs last season, the obvious exception being Artest in place of Trevor Ariza.

Bynum doesn’t seem concerned by anything, be it a move to the second unit, even if it’s only temporary, or the fact that he’s in the first year of a lucrative contract extension that pays him $12.5 million this season.

Two words he said seemed to sum it up: “No pressure.”

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/10/lakers-andrew-bynum.html

Sorry if its already been posted.

[dockingsched]

i'll assume this is about balancing the practice rosters. latimes taking a huge leap with this article.

[iamworthy]

i'll assume this is about balancing the practice rosters. latimes taking a huge leap with this article.

Yeah, I posted it because Mike Bresnahan wrote it. He's pretty solid.

[AceFresh]

4 mins late - wtf!

lol, I didn't even see your thread

[iamworthy]

4 mins late - wtf!

lol, I didn't even see your thread

Hell I didnt even read yours....to distracted (avatar)

[yeah_buddy]

Im really liking this decision. I think it will make Bynum play harder for the possibility of a regular starting spot down the course of the season, if Phil see fit.

[The Skyhook]

I wonder how the second unit with look with Drew out there. You know if he is the main bench man he will have scoring on his mind.

[Slava]

Phil also alluded to playing an even more uptempo game this season so this isn't the only indication of LO starting. I wonder if they are trying to make a case for Farmar as starting PG too.

[Slava]

Could also be an indication that we might be using Kobe's new post moves and Ron's abilities in the post more alongside Gasol's post offense.

[iamworthy]

Phil has so many freakin options that it doesnt even make sense.

[DEEP3CL]

Props to iamworthy you been money lately homie ! Anyway like my bro dcash4 said this is about balance to the line up. But I also agree with iamworthy about the options Phil has. Going with a line up of LO,KB24, Fish, PG and Thug Raider gives us speed, the ability to spread the floor for 3 slashers we have. I like this line up because we also have a quicker team in transition on defense, and we're still strong on the boards.

But keep in mind Phil can always go to Drew in the first 5, you get the twin tower effect that would clog the paint. But Phil must be in deep thought of wondering what the transition D would be like.

We'll see how this plays out, Bynum should flourish on the 2 unit because he will be the sole offensive focus.........he'll get the touches he wanted on the first unit. And in a wicked way he'll get the production from the bench he needs to make the AST this year in Dallas.

[Hyral]

I really like this move, this is probably how it should be. Bynum should benefit from playing with the 2nd unit; he'll be the main focal point on offense, in turn making him more energized on the defensive end.

[That Nicka]

If this is true look for Kobe more in the post with Gasol which is a good thing... LO as the initiator and another post option... Artest and Fisher to spread the floor... Hopefully Artest can shoot the 3 at a similar clip as last season (.399)

Bynum with the 2nd unit will allow him to be more offensive minded which he likes... And also Farmar and Bynum play very well together... We would probly still start Bynum against teams like the Spurs and Blazers

[laduane1]

Starting or coming off the bench, it matters who is there in the final minutes.

[Lost Angel]

he'll start opening day. phil's just mixing it up.

[LAKE_SHOW_GM]

Starting or coming off the bench, it matters who is there in the final minutes.

AMEN! But Drew is the starting center until Phil says he isn't.....

[Dexmor]

If Gasol didn't play in all year long I wouldn't mind this move because Bynum could dominate backup C's and it would give him a chance to be a first option out there in the second unit.
I am assuming the thinking behind this one if it is true is with Gasol-Odom-Ron-Kobe-Fisher is the can run and be an uptempo team but I don't want Gasol banging with C's.
With that said if Bynum is Gasol's backup that might actually be a brilliant move by giving Odom more minutes who is unselfish and would fit with Ron better and Kobe who is going to be in the post alot so it does make sense.
Maybe Odom plays more and this is a way to rest Gasol and give Bynum confidence playing against weaker comp and give him more shots.

Personally I think our best bet is to make Odom a pg and go with the big lineup but this might make alot of sense.
It really could help Gasol play 30 minutes and be well rested for the playoffs.
Also Fisher could be the first to go to the bench and have Bynum come in for him and then they go with the big lineup.
Even though in that situation Gasol is still playing alot he wouldn't have to do much with 4 other allstars on the court.

[itsvic]

If Gasol didn't play in all year long I wouldn't mind this move because Bynum could dominate backup C's and it would give him a chance to be a first option out there in the second unit.
I am assuming the thinking behind this one if it is true is with Gasol-Odom-Ron-Kobe-Fisher is the can run and be an uptempo team but I don't want Gasol banging with C's.
With that said if Bynum is Gasol's backup that might actually be a brilliant move by giving Odom more minutes who is unselfish and would fit with Ron better and Kobe who is going to be in the post alot so it does make sense.
Maybe Odom plays more and this is a way to rest Gasol and give Bynum confidence playing against weaker comp and give him more shots.

Personally I think our best bet is to make Odom a pg and go with the big lineup but this might make alot of sense.
It really could help Gasol play 30 minutes and be well rested for the playoffs.
Also Fisher could be the first to go to the bench and have Bynum come in for him and then they go with the big lineup.
Even though in that situation Gasol is still playing alot he wouldn't have to do much with 4 other allstars on the court.

The problem with having LO at point is that all the quick pg's in the game are going to fly past him while LO is defending them.

[xkilluax]

The problem with having LO at point is that all the quick pg's in the game are going to fly past him while LO is defending them.

and that would be diffrent from what happens now how? Who dosnt fly past old man fish and no d farmar? Name 1 team that had a worst starting PG last year then us?