Bynum is called to center stage
There have already been late-game chants for Lamar Odom and Ronny Turiaf this season, heaped on top of the numerous last-minute calls of Kobe Bryant’s name over the years.
Now there’s another one, that of Andrew Bynum, which became reality when he checked out of Tuesday’s game.
His ever-evolving career up-ticked again, this time after career highs of 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 95-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center.
His last name doesn’t roll off the tongue quite like Odom or Ronny or Kobe, but he had three blocked shots, no turnovers and committed no fouls in 29 minutes.
Afterward, he picked up a high level of praise from Coach Phil Jackson, who offered a not-so-vague comparison to you-know-who.
“With Andrew, we just keep feeding him things and hope he can keep reading defensively, and he can become a guy that can protect the lane for us,” Jackson said. “It’s something we haven’t had for a couple of years now, but he’s the one we envisioned would be that kind of guy.”
Shaquille O’Neal is now in Miami, but Bynum continues to lead the life of a teenager under the watchful eye of his mother, with whom he shares a home in Westchester. On the court, the 19-year-old looked more like a veteran.
He was matched up against Mark Blount, but there were times he ran into Kevin Garnett, who, like Bynum, made the jump directly from high school to the pros.
He hit a layup over Garnett in the first quarter and dramatically blocked a shot by Mike James after the Timberwolves’ guard appeared to have a clear path on a baseline drive in the third quarter. For added measure, Bynum hit a hook shot over Garnett midway through the fourth quarter and blocked another of James’ attempts in the final minute.
“It’s definitely really cool,” Bynum said. “It’s the first time fans have chanted my name. It felt pretty good. This does wonders for my confidence. Day by day, I feel I’m growing as a basketball player.”
Before the game, well before new career-bests were established, Bynum spoke glowingly of Garnett.
“He’s one of the first high school players to ever come out [for the draft],” Bynum said. “I heard stories about him at Nike camp about his aggression, and how the coach yelled at him to dunk everything. So he did.”
Bynum did a good job of putting home his share of attempts, making six of nine field goals. He also made eight of 10 free throws.
In addition to momentum, the Lakers, now 4-1, have the schedule on their side.
They play tonight in Portland, the league’s worst team last season, and then have 13 of their next 14 games at Staples Center, including a designated road game against the Clippers.
Not all went according to plan, including another subpar night for Odom, who has fallen off his brisk early-season pace of a 28-point-per-game average through three games.
Before the game, Jackson acknowledged having to talk to Odom about his “disappearing act” Sunday against Seattle, when Odom took only six shots.
On Tuesday, Odom was one for seven before hitting a three-pointer with 8:55 left in the third quarter. He finished with 15 points on five-for-13 shooting. He had nine rebounds and four assists.
“Lamar wasn’t in rhythm tonight,” Jackson said.
The Lakers were in rhythm in the third quarter, turning a six-point halftime edge into a 76-63 lead by the end of the quarter.
The Timberwolves closed to within 89-86, but Odom hit a short hook and, at the other end, Bynum blocked James’ runner in the lane with 52.9 seconds left. Bynum then ran down court, was fouled while attempting a layup and made two free throws to provide a 93-86 Lakers lead.
Bryant had 17 points, six assists and four rebounds. The Lakers have preached patience regarding him, and Bryant has recognized his lesser role ... for now.
“Picking apart defenses is something that we pride ourselves on doing, and me personally,” he said recently. “If they want to send two guys or whatever, I’ll pick them apart, we’ll get some open opportunities for other guys who will knock down shots. And that will open up opportunities for me later in the game.”
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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)
The big man
Andrew Bynum posted career highs in points and rebounds in the Lakers’ victory over Minnesota Tuesday night.
Minutes 29
* Points 20
* Rebounds 14
* Blocks 3
* FGA-FGM 6-9
* FTA-FTM 8-10
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