While Bynum isn’t quite near where he needs to be physically to be the dominant center we all know he can be, it may take another four weeks or so until that starts to happen, Bynum is at least making progress.
Let’s not forget the immediate impact he made for Gasol, who had to play 40-plus minutes over the course of several games. Bynum’s return provides added depth to the Lakers, breathing new life into Gasol which will eventually pay dividends as the Lakers face several challenges during the weeks ahead.
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when there’s another 7-footer out on the floor, especially when his 16 point contribution is on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and 8-0f-10 from the charity stripe. You can’t go wrong with an amalgamation of production and efficiency.
Although he did complain of a little soreness in his knee, there was no swelling and Bynum was quick to assure the media that it would be okay.
“Actually, my knee is a little bit sore today,” Bynum said. “I kind of felt a little pain when I double-jumped when I missed the layup and I went back up with the rebound. But it will be all right…I’ll just ice it all the way home and it should be good.”