Andrew Bynum’s absence during the 2008 NBA Finals gave the Celtics a clear advantage in the paint. Laker fans repeatedly said if Bynum were healthy, the Lakers might have won in 2008.
Last year against the Orlando Magic in the Finals, Bynum was healthy, and the Lakers beat the Magic in 5 games. Bynum, Gasol. and Odom gave the Magic fits inside with their length, size, quickness, and skill.
This year the Lakers have met the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals again, and this time Bynum is able to play.
However, after game 3, Andrew Bynum’s troublesome knee was again bothered.
After hurting his knee in the first round vs. Oklahoma City, Bynum opted not to have surgery and continue to play until the season’s end.
But Bynum was limited in game 4 in Boston, and was limited only to about 24 minutes of playing time.
Without Bynum, the Lakers height advantage in the paint is diminished, and Lamar Odom will most likely play most of Bynum’s minutes.
Odom is best coming off the bench, but if forced to start, the rest of the Lakers bench must play better, because the Lakers starters are plaing way too many minutes.
Bynum needs to decide if this series is worth costing his career over. He is still very young, and one series is not worth destroying possibly a great career.