Has Andrew Bynum finally arrived for Los Angeles?

January 24 09

Has Andrew Bynum finally arrived? His 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks against the Clippers would indicate so.

After an inconsistent start, Bynum is shaking the enigma label and earning the four-year, 60 million dollar extension he signed in training camp. And, by averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds over his last nine games, the post has earned something more important: the trust of teammates and coaches.

With a dominant five-man, the Lakers possess an edge over top contenders like Boston and Cleveland. How can Bynum continue having success?

He can’t worry about living up to his contract. After signing an extension in October, Bynum spent November and December trying to show he was worth the money. This mindset, while understandable, led to forced shots, turnovers, and frustration. Recently, Bynum seems loose and relaxed, which has helped his play improve.

Bynum must continue receiving the ball on the block. At 7-0 and 285 pounds, he is bigger than most posts. And he also has exceptionally long arms. When the young pro gets deep position, he can easily sink a turnaround chippie or attack the basket. A low post presence also creates space on the perimeter.

Keep ‘The Sky Hook’ on staff. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and former Laker-great, has been mentoring Bynum. This is a positive. Not only is Abdul-Jabbar an experienced post, but his calm demeanour is useful when Coach Jackson is riding Bynum.

Bynum can, and will, get better. Part of this is health related –right now, the New Jersey native is finding his legs after last year’s knee injury. Part of this is also on Bynum. Even with Pau Gasol at the four-spot, he should be getting more than eight rebounds in his 29 minutes of playing time.

With Bynum improving, Los Angeles is the favourite. Only time will tell if he has arrived or whether this is another flash of his great potential.

Has Bynum arrived? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of tokai21.

12 Comments: Has Andrew Bynum finally arrived for Los Angeles?

Posted by
BMac
on 01.27.2009

Guys, give the boy a break! As far as I’m concerned, Bynum is doing great whether he’s arrived or not. Remember, even a great player will have a bad night or play inconsistently. Like a lot of fans are saying, he is only 21 years old. Just enjoy what he is able to do right now to help the team. The season is long and lets just hope that he doesn’t get injured again. .

Posted by
ronh
on 01.27.2009

Yes bynum has finally arrived he is starting to play with more confidence. He is ready for the east top centers you watch. .

Posted by
Steve
on 01.26.2009

Oly,I don’t think Bynum has arrived just yet, but also, I think people are under-rating his presence on the floor. Like Kobe has stated before, his ability to control the lane is what is paramount. If you look at his numbers against TimDuncan - one of the best centre/power forwards of all time you will see that he matches him and one could say even out played him when they have met considering he still has a long way to go. He is a quality centre who is worth the money when you consider what some players are getting paid. The Lakers were smart to sign him long term (barring any injuries) and will benefit from him in 2 years time when he will become a dominant big man if he keeps under Kareem’s tutelage and keeps improving at the current rate. But the key is for him to keep learning off the great big man. .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 01.25.2009

Hi CYE and John, thanks for commenting. I agree. Bynum’s feel for the game is below average. This can be attributed to two points. Being bigger than everyone in high school and, perhaps, not playing college hoops and getting the practice reps in at a NCAA school. His strength is size, as you mentioned, and his arms or wingspan. I see him as a Dikembe type center, specializing in defense. But, for that to happen, he must pick up the intensity a bit. Still, he has upside and can be a top eight or so center down the line. Thanks for reading and commenting guys .

Posted by
John
on 01.25.2009

Dennis I couldn’t have said it in a better way .

Posted by
C.Y. Ellis
on 01.24.2009

Regardless of how much Bynum improves, I never see him making it into that upper echelon. He doesn’t seem to have the same feel for the game that superstar centres show in flashes in their early years in the league. He’s passive in the block, rarely attacks the glass, and his footwork is painful to watch at the best of times.

I’m sure that within a season or two he’ll have figured out how to use his size to become an above-average pivot, but I can’t imagine him ever joining the elite. There’s just not enough raw talent there.

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 01.24.2009

Hi folks ... Thanks for commenting. I agree with you all. Bynum has been good, espscially of late, however, I need to see more to be convinced. Right now, it ain’t enough. He needs to produce night-in, nigh-out for most of a season. However, I do think he is the best of the Oden and Kaman group. Get at me with thoughts on whether you guys would like Oden or Bynum? Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by
Dennis G
on 01.24.2009

I’m tired of all these overrated underachieving big men. Great big men are rare, when will people understand that. Bynum and Oden are the best of a medicore group, that’s like saying I am the smartest in a D+ group, it doesn’t make me a genius or even smart. Bynum has shown strides, but let’s not crown his azz .

Posted by

on 01.24.2009

19 AND 7 ISN’T A RARE GOOD game .

Posted by
Oliver James Simpson
on 01.24.2009

I agree with the previous poster. Andrew was doing this last season before he got hurt. He then fell off till now. Once I see he can do it consistently I’ll give him all the credit in the world. But as of now I still think he’s being hyped on potential and every once in a while great performances. He’s on course but hasn’t arrived .

Posted by

on 01.24.2009

yes bymun is finally doing what we all expected him to do! averaging 13.6 ppg and 8.0 rpg but hes been doing it throughout the season. he only sounds like hes making big noise because the last 2 games havnt had any decent centers. the clips didnt have kaman or camby. wizards didnt have haywood but he would have still put up big numbers. this is the year!!!! .

Posted by
Drop and give me 20 and 12
on 01.24.2009

Anyone can have good rare games like 42 and 15. It’s about being consistent and that is not in Bynum’s game right now. So that $57 mill investment is still debateable, as well as saying Bynum is about to reach the next level in his game. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Has Andrew Bynum finally arrived for Los Angeles?

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