The Los Angeles Lakers, trying to address a gaping hole inside the paint, are bent to use a big portion of their cap space for a big man this summer.
But with the market for centers and forward expected to be crowded, the Lakers may have no choice but to gamble on a former player that once helped them reach the promise land.
Andrew Bynum, whose last NBA game was with the Indiana Pacers during the 2013-14 season, could become a wild card for Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchack and the Lakers top-brass if they are unable to lure an All-Star caliber frontline player this season.
Bynum has been sidelined for over a year with chronic knee problems, but his agent stated he plans to undergo platelet-rich plasma therapy – the same procedure Lakers star Kobe Bryant had few years ago - on his injured knee in hope of resuming his NBA career.
Averaging 11.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game over his eight year career, the 7-foot Bynum was once considered the best offensive center in the NBA, blessed with impeccable low-post moves and soft-touch around the basket.
Although Bynum’s development took some bumpy turns, he was instrumental in helping the Lakers win their last two championships during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 season. After spending years under the shadow of Pau Gasol, he finally had his breakout year during the 2011-2012 season, as he averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds to earn his first and only All-Star game selection.
However, Bynum’s career started to go downhill when he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-team blockbuster deal that also sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers in 2012. He never played a single game with the Sixers due to a knee injury aggravated by constant bowling. He suited up in 24 games with the Cavaliers because of attitude problems. The Cavs traded to the Bulls in exchange for Luol Deng in a money-saving move, but he was waived hours later. The Indiana Pacers rolled the dice on the big man. It never materialized, as he only played two games with his last NBA team.
Why the Lakers Should Gamble on Bynum?
Bynum might be a little bit immature for an NBA player, but he’s far from washed out. His knee problems may have slowed him down significantly, yet Bynum is still 27 years old.
Signing an injury-riddled player to an eight-figure deal would be unwise. However, acquiring him on a veteran minimum deal is a low-risk, high-reward move. Bynum might have been a walking liability, but his skills-set at his size doesn’t grow in trees. The Lakers could be taking a big risk here, yet it’s a gamble they have to take if no LaMarcus Aldridge or Marc Gasol or willing to wear the purple-and-gold jersey.