Bynum focuses on big picture

The education of Andrew Bynum continues on many fronts near the midpoint of his fourth NBA season.

For Lakers special assistant coach Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it’s a chance to emphasize the importance of the big picture.

When they go over game video, often at Bynum’s home, the league’s all-time leading scorer details the significance of the other nine players on the court besides Bynum.

“I try and show him what’s happening because a lot of times during the game, he can’t see the whole picture,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “If I get together with him, I can show him what’s happening, what’s causing these things to happen.”

They’ve been working on a number of concepts.

First and foremost, Abdul-Jabbar has been imploring Bynum to take advantage whenever Kobe Bryant gets double-teamed.

“That leaves three guys guarding the four remaining guys,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “If [Bynum] starts moving at that point and knows the right place to go to, he’s going to probably be four or five feet from the closest defender. Therein lies opportunity.”

Abdul-Jabbar is also asking Bynum to do more with the ball after getting a rebound. Bynum typically hands the ball off to a teammate instead of throwing it downcourt, Abdul-Jabbar said.

“James Worthy was great at anticipating a rebound, and he’d be running, he’d take a dribble or two and then he’d get it to Earvin [Johnson] in the middle of the court, and that’s a dangerous situation,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “[Bynum] has got to learn how to recognize these things. He gets a rebound and he wants to give it to someone [close].”

Abdul-Jabbar is aware that Bynum has been collecting fewer rebounds in recent games, including three against San Antonio and one against Houston earlier this week.

“I don’t know what’s up with that,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Usually he’s a very good defensive rebounder and he gets some offensive glass.”

Overall, though, Abdul-Jabbar says he is pleased with Bynum’s development.

“He’s extended his game a little bit,” he said. “He’s worked hard with the other assistant coaches to get those jump-shot opportunities and he’s been nailing them.”

Walton still out

Sasha Vujacic was back in action after missing two games because of back spasms, but Luke Walton missed his eighth game because of a sore right foot.

Vujacic and Walton participated in the team shoot-around Friday morning, but Coach Phil Jackson said he wanted to see more from Walton.

“Having sat out the amount of time he’s been out without a full-scale practice, this would be pretty tough to step out there right now,” Jackson said.

Walton is averaging 3.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 12.2 minutes a game. He started 11 consecutive games before he was injured.

“It feels good, so I’m excited,” Walton said. “Hopefully, I’ll be back on the court soon.”

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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com