Mikan. Wilt. Kareem. Shaq. They’re all part of a laundry list of Hall-of-Famers who cemented their legacies by utilizing their inherent size and strength to dominate over the rest of the league. What’s even more astounding is that they did it on both ends of the court. The league had to change the rules for Mikan and Wilt. When Kareem left the NBA at the age of 42, no player had ever scored more points and blocked more shots. Shaquille O’Neal’s physical stature was a sight to behold, unlike any player the league had seen since perhaps Wilt. The only thing more grandiose than his body was the personality contained within its walls.
The Lakers franchise has indeed had a long and illustrious love affair with the big man.
At age 23 however, Bynum isn’t anywhere near the league of big men the Lakers have acquired over the years, at least not the ones previously mentioned. Some would argue that each passing year and each subsequent knee surgery (Bynum’s had three total), puts him further from reaching the skill level that epitomizes that of the Lakers all-time greats at the center position. The reality is, with their current core players, this team may only need Bynum to merely cause a ripple in the greatest-of-Lakers-centers pool.
During the course of the Lakers last three championship title runs, 2008-2010, Bynum was unable to play, slightly able to contribute and played in limited stretches while enduring physical pain, respectively. The last of his playoff campaigns was his best and in no small part due to the fact that he was the healthiest he’s ever been during the latter part of the year. Unfortunately for Bynum, the rest of the Lakers not named Kobe Bryant weren’t exactly on the same page.
There’s no reason for Bynum to hang his head over the Lakers failed attempt at three-straight titles, but there’s also no reason for him to hold his head up high either. In the eyes of his teammates, coaches and even himself, Bynum still has plenty to learn. If he plans on bridging the gap between himself and the Lakers pantheon of greats, he’ll have to work extra hard over the summer to capitalize and dominate by taking advantage of the one thing that drove the Lakers to take him back in 2005—his size.
Next: The key to Bynum’s success is to dominate on at least one end of the floor