Andrew Bynum, for the second consecutive game, posted pathetic numbers while bringing an energy level to the game that is best described as indifferent. In Orlando a matchup of Bynum v. Dwight Howard was hyped by outlets. But in the end the dominance was apparent and concerning:
Bynum: 12 minutes, 5 fouls, 3 points, 1 rebound
Howard: 31 minutes, 18 points, 12 rebounds
The stat line is simply staggering. Hardly the performance worthy of $14 million/yr - a figure the Lakers contracted Bynum to a few short weeks ago. Laker brass is surely trying to find something to fight this kid's fire. Thus far nothing is working, and the Lakers are suffering.
Bynum apologists will claim this is just one game. Well lets look at his performance the night before in a loss to Miami:
27 minutes, 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 fouls.
In two Laker losses Bynum has posted a combined: 39 minutes, 7 points and 7 rebounds!!!
Furthermore, stat lines don't also tell the whole story. Bynum's game is altogether soft. He refuses to set picks, is lazy on pick and roll defense, and perhaps most concerning, in incapable of boxing out. This was in full expose last night where Howard grabbed a game high 4 offensive rebounds.
I would normally say that these fundamental failings are correctable through coaching. But Bynum has shown no improvement this year. Winning is not important to Bynum and he lacks the will to win.
I sincerly hope the Lakers trade Bynum now before the secret is out. Bynum is a fraud - a fake talent built on hype and potential that will never surface.
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