I know this is controversial idea, but Andrew Bynum shouldn't make a return to the Lakers starting lineup unless he is at 100% AND the Lakers need him. I understand he is a very talented young center and will likely be a key element with the Lakers for many years. However, right now Pau Gasol is more than capable at filling the 5, and the Lakers have looked VERY good as of late.
My opinion here may be moot, as Phil Jackson was quoted as saying that Bynum wasn't close to returning. Still, I would assume that at some point in the playoffs he will be ready and the Lakers havve to very careful in reintegrating him in the lineup. Gasol and Bynum have never played side by side, and Lamar Odom has been doing so well at the 4, much better than his usualr production at the 3. Gasol had a monster game (38-16-8), and Odom was also very impressive with a double-double and eight assists of his own. There is a fair chance the Lakers will make the Finals without Bynum playing a minute.
If Bynum does come back as a starter, Gasol will move to the 4, where he IS more comfortable but has never played in the triangle offense. Odom will move to a less effective position at SF, and Bynum will play center after a four-five month hiatus. It just doesn't spell success. Unless the Lakers struggle, need change, AND Bynum is in position to contribute he shouldn't be more than a relief player and not a key part of their game plan.
I think I may pound this point in to the ground, but chemistry is more important than talent in the playoffs. That's why the Pistons beat the Lakers in 2004, the Spurs beat the Suns year after year, and the Warriors were able to upset the Mavs last year. Bringing back Bynum will be a serious disruption to the Lakers chemistry, and should only be added if necessary.
Ha! I made it through an entire Laker blog without mentioning Kobe Bryant!
Crap...
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Assuming the make it to the West Finals, they WILL need Bynum if they draw the Suns, and to a lesser extent the Spurs. Bynum, even if playing mostly with the 2nd unit or spelling Gasol or Odom (Gasol switching to the 4). With Shaq and Amare, the Lakers will need all the quality post players they can throw at these two on the defensive end. Gasol and Odom will be fine on the offensive end, since Amare isn't known for defense, and at this point, Shaq is a shell of his former defensive self and will have trouble with the Lakers mobile big men. But, when the Lakers are on D, Gasol and Odom may have some difficulty with the Suns power big men.
As far as the Spurs, while they don't have the same double threat that the Suns have, it wouldn't be a bad thing to cycle Gasol, Bynum and Odom at Duncan to wear him down on both ends of the court.
And don't necessarily take the news on Bynum's return time table at face value. I'm sure even if he was ready to go in a week, Phil's probably not going to let the cat out of the bag and ruin the advantage that a surprise return of Bynum could pose. That being said, if the Lakers continue to handle the Nuggets as they did on Sunday, we won't see Bynum come back until round 2, regardless of his health.
perfect360
Pittsburgh , PA
Total Comments (989)
They need him to make it and win it. With out him they dont have much of a chance this year.
N.O.
Amherst , CO
Total Comments (63)
GO LAKERS! well we dont need bynum untill the NBA Finals. if we play the boston were going to need bynums lenght to handle KG and stop those jumpers pierce likes to shoot. other than that we dont need big drew back right away. the spurs will beat the sun's and that was all lakers fans want, they say u got to go through the champs to win it all so it would make for a story book ending if the lakers beat the spurs to go to the finals...
PS. get ya pop corn ( as T.O would say) SHOW TIME LAKERS ARE BACK....
syncere310
Compton , CA
Total Comments (13)
big bynum has small heart or he thinking of money . ps show us some balls momas boy
truthnotrumors
Total Comments (59)
I do agree with you that they should not rush him because he is only 20 and with him healthy and the young guys on the team the Lakers could definitely win a championship with him next year. Maybe they could put him in a little bit before 100% just to get him situated in his role, but the way the Lakers have been playing lately I dont think they will need him until the Finals or if they play Phoenix in the western conference finals, but any other time than that i suggest patience.
dodgers101
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (9)
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