Andrew Bynum’s future still uncertain after Los Angeles Lakers 2nd round exit from playoffs – NBA News
Andrew Bynum had the most successful season of his 7 year career in the NBA this year with the Los Angeles Lakers. The centre player averaged a career high 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds to go with 1.9 blocks per game in the regular
season.
He maintained those numbers in the playoffs, averaging 17.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.4 blocks excluding game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was also named an All Star this year, the first time in his NBA career.
But after the Los Angeles Lakers lost game 5 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game in which he managed only 10 points and 4 rebounds, none of which were offensive, the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs. When asked what his
future holds for him after a disappointing finish to the season, Bynum said:
"I'm not sure. It really doesn't matter to me. I'll play anywhere. I think for the most part I had a pretty decent season and an OK postseason, so we'll see."
Lakers coach Mike Brown said while referring to Bynum, "Obviously we need more from him," pointing out that the All Star centre had no offensive rebounds in the whole game 5 against the Thunder.
The Lakers have an option on Andrew Bynum for the 2012-2013 NBA season worth $16.1 million that they must exercise before June 30.
Jim Buss, Lakers Vice President of player personnel, while speaking to ESPNLosAngeles.com last month, made it clear that the Lakers would want to exercise the option. However, Bynum’s long term future is still undecided and it
is still unknown whether the Lakers will want Bynum to commit to the team on a long term basis.
"It's going to depend on what the team wants to do. I would definitely want to be a Laker. It's going to be up to the team” said Bynum when asked about playing for the Lakers long term.
David Lee, who is Bynum’s agent, said the Lakers control the contract extension and only they will decide when, where and how the conversations for the extension will occur.
“Their call, ball’s in their court”, he said in a text message to ESPNLosAngeles.com.
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