Andrew Bynum gives the Lakers something that few teams can attain, and that is size. With Andrew Bynum in the lineup the Lakers gain a decisive size advantage over just about every team in the NBA. The combined length of Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom makes the Lakers a force inside, both offensively and defensively.
Of the Lakers three headed monster inside, Bynum provides the most force of the three as Odom and Gasol are better suited playing power forward. Bynum’s length and size is a destructive force for most opponents as he allows the Lakers’ perimeter defenders to funnel players in the paint due to the threat of Bynum blocking their shot. This season Bynum is averaging nearly two blocks per game, but he has also made his presence felt by altering several more.
Bynum has also contributed with 8.6 rebounds per game in addition to nearly 12 points a game. These numbers may not look like much but Bynum looks to have finally recovered from his off-season knee surgery as these numbers seem to be on the rise.
Bynum’s value to the Lakers is more about just numbers. His size changes the way teams have to game plan for the Lakers, thus opening up opportunities for players such as Kobe and Pau. An active Andrew Bynum also transforms the Lakers’ defense into one of the best in the league, which is one of the reason’s he can be looked at as a major x-factor for the Lakers’ 3-peat aspirations.
