Coming into the 2011-12 NBA season, many teams had questions and concerns following the lockout-shortened pre-season, but none more than the Los Angeles Lakers. After being on the short end of the stick in a collapsed trade that would've sent All-Star point-guard Chris Paul to the Lakers, the team was forced to explore other options, one of which being Orlando Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard. Unfortunately for the Lakers, an unwillingness from the Magic front-office coupled with the shorter than normal pre-season would require the team to start the regular season without any drastic changes. And after an 0-2 start to begin the season, the Lakers looked like they were in desperate need of some help. After winning their next two games to even their record at 2-2, that help would come in the form of 7-foot center Andrew Bynum.
After shining during the team's two pre-season games, L.A. would be without their star center for the first four games while serving a suspension issued for his thug-like antics during Game 4 of last year's Western Conference semi-finals. In his first game back against the Denver Nuggets, Bynum would make his presence felt by compiling 29 points to go along with 13 rebounds in a winning effort to put the Lakers over the .500 mark for the first time this season. His biggest night, however, would come two games later in last night's 108-99 win over the Houston Rockets. Though Kobe Bryant would finish with a game-high 37 points, it was Bynum who stole the show by racking up the first 20-20 game of his young career by putting up 21 points and hauling in 22 boards, helping the Lakers improve to 4-3 on the year.
Having seen a majority of his career cut short due to injury since making his debut in 2005, Bynum has been the subject of trade rumors and criticism with many including myself pondering if the 24 year old could be a long-term answer. Though I won't shy away from admitting I'm one of those who have criticized Bynum time and time again for his fragile frame and inconsistencies over the years, when he's healthy like he has been thus far Bynum has shown glimpses of what he's capable of when at 100% which is why I believe he'll be the key cog to the Lakers' season (other than Kobe Bryant of coarse) and will determine if they succeed in the Playoffs. To say Bynum was missed at the start of the season would be an understatement and if the big man can continue to put up big numbers like he has been then don't be surprised if Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak puts an end to those Dwight Howard trade rumors and tries strengthening the team at another position.
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