In the past two seasons during the Lakers’ championship runs the common belief has been that the Lakers are unbeatable when their x-factor plays well. During the two seasons the undisputed x-factor of the team has been Lamar Odom, who has now turned into one of the Lakers’ most consistent players. In their run at a third consecutive championship, it seems as if the Lakers have a new x-factor, Andrew Bynum.
The seven foot center has struggled throughout his career with consistency, almost entirely due to injuries. But when Bynum is right he is rivaled only by Dwight Howard for the top billing at the center position. Bynum is often overlooked due to the star power of the Lakers, but the fact of the matter is the Lakers’ have never lost a playoff series with him as a starter.
With his injury history, we ultimately do not know what Andrew Bynum is capable of in the playoffs, making him the biggest, both figuratively and literally, x-factor in this year’s playoffs.
Next: Andrew Bynum’s Value
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.
Next: The Reason for the Sudden Streak?
Without a doubt the Lakers have played their best basketball since the All-Star break in route to a 10-1 record since that break. What has made this run even more impressive is that many of the games have come on the road against perennial playoff teams.
While all of the Lakers have played great during this run, the one player who stands out has been Andrew Bynum. This recent run further proves that when Bynum plays well, the Lakers are at their best.
Since the break Bynum is averaging 12.1 points per game, providing the Lakers with another solid scoring option. Perhaps more importantly, Bynum has averaged 12.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. This is exactly what the Lakers need from Bynum, his size advantage can make him a premier player on the glass and great shot blocker.
While his numbers scoring wise since the break may pale in comparison to those such as Kobe Bryant, Bynum has found ways to dominate games despite not lighting up the scoreboard. A great example of this was the Lakers blow-out win over San Antonio, without a doubt their best performance of the year. In that game Bynum only scored 4 points, but tallied 17 rebounds and 3 blocks. Bynum was also physically imposing, altering several shots.
His performance last night against the Orlando Magic was even more impressive, as he put in 10 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The numbers mean even more when you realize they came against Dwight Howard, the best center in the league.
Simply put, as this run by the Lakers suggests, when Bynum is a force rebounding and protecting the rim, the Lakers are nearly unbeatable. In fact it can be argued that in the Lakers’ only loss since the break Bynum was underutilized.
Next: Health and Consistency
If Bynum can continue to play at this high of a level come playoff time the Lakers are nearly unbeatable. The size of Bynum is unmatched anywhere outside of Orlando, and his play against new Thunder acquisition Kendrick Perkins in the past has proven that Perkins is no match for him. But will Bynum stay healthy?
Health has always been the major concern with Bynum, although the last two years have proven that Bynum is willing to play through injuries. Last year’s playoff run especially, in which Bynum had to have his knee drained several times, proved how tough he can be.
Although Bynum has been a key contributor to the last two championships by playing through injuries, Bynum needs to be a huge factor come playoff time this year as well. While many were calling on the Lakers to swap Drew for Carmelo Anthony, Mitch Kupchak opted to keep the size of Bynum, a decision that will prove wise if the young center can stay healthy.
Simply put, if Bynum continues to play at his current rate, then the Lakers will ultimately capture their 17th championship. Bynum may also be the Lakers’ x-factor for the future, as he has the potential to become one of the game’s top players.