Bynum wants more playing time
Andrew Bynum (photo. NBA)From the Riverside Press-Enterprise:
“I don’t understand why I’m not in at the end of games,” Bynum said. “It doesn’t make much sense to me, but it’s something I have to deal with. I haven’t been in foul trouble the last couple games. So I have no idea.”
Aside from the final possession of last week’s Indiana game, Bynum hasn’t played in the final five minutes of any of the Lakers’ past eight games despite averaging 16 points and nine rebounds during that stretch.
Pressed to explain why he has gone with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom down low late in games, Jackson cited sub-par defense from Bynum, whether it’s one-on-one, rotating to help or defending the screen and roll.
“When he shows the ability to play defense appropriately he’ll probably be there,” Jackson said. “Andrew’s doing really well. He’s making great progress. But there are times in the games down the stretch when we have to have the best defenders. That was the team we had last year in the playoffs. They know how to help each other.”
Before you point out that Bynum is seventh in the NBA in blocked shots (1.95 bpg), as Phil said, there’s more to it than that.
Does Bynum have a legit gripe?
December 11th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Dodge Taylor says:
He’s young … down the stretch it makes sense to go with the experienced, veteran performers.
I believe Phil knows what he’s doing …
December 11th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
dmitry of jersey says:
no. he should not be questioning phil jackson who’s been round the game longer than bynum has been alive.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
JCARR says:
It was his fault the Pacers beat them… so Phil probably is making him pay with watching from the bench…jk
He’s still young… you just don’t send a puppy with the big dogs.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
K Dizzle says:
“That was the team we had last year in the playoffs. They know how to help each other”
WTF, Phillip? Did you watch the finals?
December 11th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
NJ all day says:
This is the Lee I remember from back in high school. He had the same mentality when we used to play together because he was so big and confident compared to everyone else. Since he got to the NBA, it hasn’t been like that….until recently. So even though he’s not completely up there yet, it’s enough to bring back his swag.
Whether you agree or not, this kid has skill and he knows it too. Ok, he’s young and inexperienced but you need to have that gripe if you’re ever gonna succeed. If you just sit back, take the lack of minutes, be content then no one is gonna see that confidence that you deserve those minutes to begin with.
December 11th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
doc says:
They be alright, he just talking shit early in the year to let the team know his status.The Lakers value him 2nd to Kobe and he mad Phil treat him like he aint ready.They gonna keep busting ass regardless.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
J-Lod says:
stop whining and shut the hell up drew!!just watch n learn from kobe n the rest of the guys..u should be thankful you are on the lakers not some crappy arena in oklahoma city..
December 12th, 2008 at 12:28 am
the kid says:
stop complaining mah dude. the lakers are winning. if phil jackson decides to only play 4 players late in games instead of 5, and they keep winning, then sit your ass on the bench and stop being a bitch
December 12th, 2008 at 12:29 am
nola says:
it’s great he’s complaining. it really is. i believe he should be on the bench because he is young and he still has a lot to prove. eventually he’ll become that all star that’ll be on the court late in games making big plays. however, i’m really glad he’s complaining. i just hope he doesnt take this in a bitch way and takes it more as a challenge.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:56 am
wwill says:
Bynum needs to pipe down because when your coach is running out of fingers for rings, you don’t question him.
December 12th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Ian says:
u see laker fans this is what happens when u overhype a player it gets in their heads at the start of last season bynum wouldnt be talkin shit.
December 12th, 2008 at 5:39 am
Kudabeen says:
Phils explanation is that the team last year was better defensively? I guess he is waiting for the Finals to get Andrew comfortable with helping out Pau and crew as the let players skip through the lane…That was a lame response.
Andrew doesn’t need to keep running his mouth either, because that will just encourage Phil to toy with him…Just play ball…
December 12th, 2008 at 5:53 am
sans says:
on what planet is Phil living on–when has Pau ever been a good defender?
December 12th, 2008 at 6:55 am
YOUNGFED..."I don't make it rain I make it hurricane" says:
@Sans
Couldn’t have said it better
December 12th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Sccob says:
Never question Yoda…
December 12th, 2008 at 10:31 am
CitizenB says:
Phil Jackson has never known how to bring up a young player. He gets 2 teams, both of which have the 2 greatest players ever. Aside from them, who has Jackson brought up as a rook to veteran that’s been any good?
Bynums hungry and letting him know it. Story over.
December 12th, 2008 at 10:38 am
E$ says:
no, he sucks….shut up & wait for Kobe to pass you the ball
December 12th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Lady Luck says:
I’m glad Bynum has the desire to be in at crunch time. Now if he continues to work hard he will get there. Coach knows what he’s doing, so it doesn’t matter if Andrew doesn’t understand. He is a master at motivating his troops, even if it means sitting them down.
As far as his comment about the team’s defense in the playoffs last year….up until the Finals they did play good defense, which is why they made it to the finals. By the time the playoffs are here again, Bynum will have worked on his defense and will likely be in during the final minutes.