Andrew Bynum is twenty-four years old. He just turned in his best season to date as an NBA’er, making what would seem to be his first in a long run of All Star Game appearances. His Los Angeles Lakers struggled at times this season, as they transitioned away from Phil Jackson and the Triangle offense, but Bynum remained productive for most of it. He averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in the process, and gave ample cause for the Lakers to pick up his hefty contract option for next season.
This according to the Los Angeles Times on Monday:
The Lakers have officially picked up Andrew Bynum’s $16.1-million option. It will be the last year remaining on the contract of the 24-year-old center, who became an All-Star this season for the first time. The move was merely a formality. Bynum replaced four-time All-Star Pau Gasol as the Lakers’ second-best player this season.
Bynum was second-team All-NBA at center while Gasol was third-team All-NBA at forward. The Lakers had until June 30 to exercise their option on Bynum. Bynum had some ill-conceived moments this season, including a well-documented three-point attempt in the third quarter of a close game at Golden State, but he realized much of the on-court potential that loomed above him much of his career.
Next move for LA at this point is unknown. Maybe they end up trying to move Pau Gasol. Maybe they figure their way into contention for guys like Deron Williams and Dwight Howard again somehow. Who knows. What we do know is that Andrew Bynum will be in LA next season, and be paid handsomely for his services. After that, we’ll have to wait and see.
