Bynum Looks to Take His Game to the Next Level

We have all heard how incredible Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum is going to be someday. Up until this point, it always had to be someday because Bynum couldn't seem to stay healthy. He had only played one full season in his career (2006-07) due to frequent injuries. So far this season, he has stayed healthy and thrived because of it. Since the All-Star break, Bynum is averaging 21.3 points per game, 11.4 rebounds per game, and 1.9 blocks per game. More importantly for the Lakers, he has also stepped up his game as a clutch player.

Tonight, the Lakers had a big game against the Dallas Mavericks. This one had playoff implications written all over it, but the Lakers knew they would be without Kobe Bryant. So who did the Lakers turn to in the fourth quarter and eventually overtime? Bynum. He had eight points in the fourth and made a clutch jumper in overtime to help propel his team to victory. The Lakers are turning to him in clutch time for good reason. According to 82games.com, Bynum is 23rd in the NBA in points per 48 minutes of clutch time (the last five minutes) with 29.5 points. That is the most for any center in the league. That is exactly what the Lakers have been looking for from Bynum, especially come playoff time.

Bynum has truly taken his game to the next level this season for the Lakers. If I didn't convince you with his post-All-Star break stats, performance Sunday, and clutch numbers, let me remind you what he did in a win last Wednesday at the Spurs. Bynum had 16 points and 30 rebounds. He became only the second player (Trivia Question: Who is the other player?) to grab at least 30 boards in the past 12 seasons. Bynum wasn't even satisfied with his performance. After the game, he said, "It's great to have 30 boards, but my shot's not working and I am a little upset about that. For me, I'll remember shooting poorly (7 of 20 from the field)." Bynum is striving to improve, and it is evident by his play on the court. He appears to be headed for stardom. The only reservations I still have are questions about his health and character. I have a really hard time imagining anyone doubting his talent, but the injury history and temper issues are concerning. For now, Bynum is leading the Lakers to success. How long that will last, will remain to be seen.

Answer to Trivia Question: Kevin Love in 2010.