Andrew Bynum says the Los Angeles Lakers were “Embarrassed” last season – NBA Update
Los Angeles Lakers did not enjoy the best of season’s last time out. The vaunted roster full of talent and big names failed to live up to its billing in the playoffs and were sent packing by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round
and that too with a sweep. Andrew Bynum has now spoken about the debacle and says the Lakers were embarrassed by what happened.
Most things went wrong for Los Angeles last season, which was also the final season of their legendary head coach Phil Jackson. The team didn’t show enough spirit or resiliency, and at times the players seemed to be playing just
for themselves. Kobe Bryant wasn’t his dominating self in the post season and Pau Gasol visibly struggled, so much so that he drew the ire of his own fans.
Bynum was one of the players viewed as working hard for the team. At times he was upset with his teammates on the court and during the Dallas series even spoke of the “trust issues” within the team that were causing some harm.
Lakers went out 4-0 to the eventual NBA World Champions and Bynum in particular covered himself in shame when he elbowed Jose Barea, earning an ejection as a result in Phil Jackson’s final game.
The Lakers big guy says looking back at what happened; Los Angeles really should have done a lot better,
“We got embarrassed and we all need to come back focused, ready to win. You lose 4-0, there's not much more to be said. I was the first one to admit we didn't work hard enough to win. Let's tell the truth. It was due to a myriad
of reasons — our collective drive and determination. It's about being accountable. Me included. Everyone included.”
A team with so many issues would be hard pressed to get back together and put up a good show next season. However this is a side laden with obscene amount of talent and you would back them to do just about anything.
Los Angeles now have a new start and a new coach in Mike Brown. Brown, who is a former head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is viewed as a defensive specialist. Many believe his defensive expertise is just what the Lakers need
after uninspiring displays on that end of the court last season.
Personally, Bynum is just looking to improve as a player and win as much silver ware as possible with the Lakers. He knows that in the end, winning is what matters,
“I want to be the best player I can be… It's all about winning championships. Working hard is the most important thing. People remember you only if you win. Period.”
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