Los Angeles Lakers open contract extension talks with Andrew Bynum – NBA News
Although the Los Angeles Lakers have remained engaged in trade negotiations with the Orlando Magic for All Star centre Dwight Howard, they know that even if they do not land him, they would be just fine next season.
The Lakers have Andrew Bynum, the 24 year old sensational centre, on their roster till next year and they will be more than happy to put him on the court alongside a star studded cast of Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol.
Bynum was the negotiating chip for the Lakers in their talks with the Magic, but neither party is taking that to heart and it has now been reported that the Lakers have started contract negotiations with Bynum’s agent.
Bynum is currently in the final year of his contract with the Lakers, and after averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, the Lakers want him to commit long term.
Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register has reported:
“Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and Andrew Bynum’s agent spoke Wednesday about a contract extension for Bynum, an indication of the Lakers’ ongoing interest in locking Bynum beyond next season.”
The Lakers will be looking to lock Bynum for the long term, but it is unlikely that he will sign an extension with them.
Firstly, if Bynum signs an extension, it will be for a three year contract. If Bynum waits till next year when he becomes a free agent, he can sign a five year max deal with the Lakers. At a young age of 24, he would want the extra money and secured future. Plus, with Kobe’s contract nearing completion, Bynum would want to become the new franchise player of the Lakers.
Also, Bynum knows that the Lakers have been using him as a trade chip in various negotiations. Hence it is natural he would not want to commit with them, because they might trade him for a deal that leaves him tied up in a contract, he may not want.
Bynum is most probably going to use Chris Paul as an example when he makes his decision. Paul did not sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers this season and instead decided to wait till the next when he can sign a max deal with them or leave for a better option.
Following this route can put Bynum in a win-win situation come next off season.
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