This shortened NBA season has been a roller coaster ride for the Los Angeles Lakers with plenty of drama even before the opening tip on Christmas Day. Along with ushering in a new head coach to replace Phil Jackson in Mike Brown, the Lakers have had to deal with endless trade speculation and immaturity issues with up-and-coming center Andrew Bynum.
Despite everything that has transpired in Lakerland throughout the course of the season, the Lakers are sitting pretty in the Western Conference standings as they’re currently in the third seed. That seeding may very well change before the end of the NBA’s regular season with about eight games to go, but as of right now it appears that the Lakers will clinch the Pacific Division title and cruise into the playoffs.
Even with a high seed in the West seemingly in the bag for the Lakers, there have still been some internal problems that have surfaced as of late. One of the most glaring problems has been dealing with All-Star center Andrew Bynum and his antics both on and off the floor.
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Some advice on how to handle Bynum’s issues came from a familiar source recently with former Lakers head coach Phil Jackson talking with Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times:
“Bynum is not quite mature, but everyone should relax and watch him grow up,” Jackson said via email. “This year has been a big step for him offensively…nice to see…and when he takes up the mantle as defensive captain the Lakers can get back in the hunt.”
It seems as though the Zen Master wants to stress patience with the up-and-coming superstar. Jackson makes a solid point about Bynum’s progress on the floor and that the Lakers will be a serious force to be reckoned with once the All-Star center becomes the undisputed leader on defense.
Personally, I believe Phil Jackson is right on the money here. Obviously, Jackson has had the experience with big egos and immaturity during his time coaching in the NBA and these statements might be easy for him to say from the outside looking in, but having some patience might be the way to go for Mike Brown and the Lakers’ coaching staff.
