The seven foot centre who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a four team trade has been observing the progress of his former team. Speaking to reporter before the game between LAL and the Phillies, Bynum pinpointed the areas of weakness in the Lakers’ lineup.
Andrew Bynum might not be the part of Los Angeles Lakers anymore but he certainly hasn’t stopped following his former team. The centre who has been unable to participate in any game for the Sixers so far, due to bone bruises in both his knees, opened up about the Lakers struggles while talking to the reporter before the game between his former team and the current one.
"They got to make a commitment to defense, No. 1, and No. 2, I think they're going to have to post the ball within a system that's going to do that," he said. "Obviously the talent is there to win a championship from a starter's point of view, anyway. I think they struggle a little bit off the bench, so that kind of hurts, too."
The Lakers have been sluggish on the defence this entire season. A part of it has to do with Mike D’Antoni’s system, but the main reason behind their struggles has been the lack of intensity. Pau Gasol was blamed for their early struggles, but the power forward has been out of the scene for the last 8 games due to tendinitis in both his knees and the Lakers are still struggling. Although they have won their last two games, it was only tonight that the defence really clicked.
The other aspect related to the substitutes was also good today. The Lakers however still seem at best a 50-50 side and are missing the pedigree required by genuine contenders. The return of Steve Nash and Gasol might solve that problem, but realistically speaking, their issues are much greater than that. To start with, there has to be a role definition for every player on the roster, not just the superstars. At present, the side is too dependent on Kobe and Dwight Howard, and when these two struggle, a loss is almost certain.
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