Los Angeles Lakers fine Andrew Bynum – NBA Update
According to various sources the Los Angeles Lakers have disciplined star centre Andrew Bynum, and levied a fine against the player. The fine comes just days after the Lakers star was benched by coach Mike Brown, suggesting a rift between player and coach.
Bynum had taken an ill advised 3-point shot, and missed, after which the displeased Mike Brown put him on the bench. The 7-footer was introduced in the game again in the final quarter before the coach pulled him out again, making him sit out the majority
of the crucial period.
Andrew then came out with a defiant stance against Mike Brown, telling reporters that although he though his coach had put him out of the game for attempting a dagger from downtown, he would still take shots from beyond the arc.
Though this would seem reason enough, the Lakers haven’t specified why the fine was levied. Sources suggest it was for a number of reasons, among them a report that Bynum didn’t turn up for a meeting with the franchise’s General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Bynum has improved tremendously as a player this season. He has been hampered by injuries in the years gone by but the star is now coming unto his own after a largely injury free season. His performances on the court have been tremendous, even earning him
a first All-Star call-up.
However his antics off the court have also increased, with the player not treading the team’s line on many occasions, and giving of an arrogant, indifferent vibe on many instances.
He has complained to the media on occasion, the latest being "I need some more shots, I think,", after a poor shooting night. This despite him getting a large number of touches; especially considering seasons gone by.
He later changed his statement about not getting enough shots. Bynum has also been cold to teammates, even super star Kobe Bryant, about whose suspected injury he was asked recently only for Bynum to respond by saying:
"I don't take part in the huddles," Bynum said. "I'm resting ... getting my Zen on."
The player denied knowledge of the fine when last approached, but confirmed that he won’t be taking part in the upcoming game because of an ankle injury.
"I can't play," Bynum said. "Hopefully (Wednesday against the Clippers)."
His coach shared the same view.
"I know he's out (Tuesday)," Brown said. "We'll see (Wednesday) and the day after and so on."
Mike Brown also didn’t speak about the reported fine on Bynum, but did say that there was an issue an internal action has been taken.
"We dealt with it internally as organization and now we move on," Brown said.
When pressed to respond to reports that he and Bynum had a falling out, Mike played it down and responded in a diplomatic fashion.
"I'm not concerned with Bynum's attitude," Brown said. "... I don't have a problem with Bynum."
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