L.A. picks up Andrew Bynum option

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised their $16.1 million option on Andrew Bynum's contract, the team announced Monday.

General manager Mitch Kupchak confirmed last month the Lakers would exercise the option.


Bynum, 24, was named an All-Star for the first time in his seven-year career last season, putting up career bests in points (18.7) and rebounds (11.8) per game, while also being named to the All-NBA second team.

The Lakers had to pick up Bynum's option by June 30 or else the 7-footer would have become a free agent.


It was an expected move by the organization as Bynum became a vital part of the team's success while accomplishing impressive individual feats such as hauling in 30 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs and registering a triple-double that included 10 blocks in the Lakers' playoff opener against the Denver Nuggets.


For all of Bynum's on-court feats, he also had his share of head-scratching moments, from blowing off a meeting with general manager Mitch Kupchak to launching an ill-advised 3-pointer and only vowing to shoot more of them after head coach Mike Brown benched him for it.


Despite all of that, the Lakers decided Bynum is someone who can continue to anchor the team.


"I think it's pretty obvious how I feel about Andrew Bynum," Lakers vice president of player personnel Jim Buss told the "Mason & Ireland Show" on 710 ESPN last week. "He's an incredible All-Star center, and you can build the future around him."


A source close to Bynum said that the All-Star center and the team have "not yet engaged" in any discussions about a long-term contract extension, but that Bynum's camp "anticipated" those talks to occur sometime this offseason.

I don't think that will make a difference in the team's make up- that was clearly seen in the playoffs.
They need to get rid of World Peace and a few others and pick up younger talent that will be able to be molded into future playoff contenders.

The guy is a waste of great talent! Been in the league 6 or 7 years and still acts like a rookie! He's a he'll of a talent but has nothing between tge ears. Not a laker fan so I could careless!

I can't stand the Lakers or Bynum, but I will admit I'm glad to see this because he's a fucking bum and will just take up salary room for other younger talent. I think the biggest mistake they made was getting rid of Fisher

Getting rid of a guy who has multiple rings and is respected in the locker room as much as fisher was is dumber than giving Bynum that much $. Fisher is a class act that can still play, but I'm glad to see him possibly get another ring with OKC this year.

I would've gotten rid of Bynum, World Peace long before even considering letting Fisher go. Kobe is getting up there and as good as he still is, he's not as good as he was. I think the dynasty is over for him. Unless they get some great younger guys to help him out I don't think he'll see another ring

Laker days are over like everyone says.. Retire the dinosaurs ..

Bynum is still young, but they're spending money where they don't need it. Kobe needs help scoring, you only need 1 7 footer, but you need a couple guys that can shoot

big n wv said:

Bynum is still young, but they're spending money where they don't need it. Kobe needs help scoring, you only need 1 7 footer, but you need a couple guys that can shoot

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yes he is still young but hes been in the league 7 years!!! he has had great guys on his team he shouldve learned from. I promise you are going to hear the same ole bullshit stuff till her retires!

Yea, he's just not a team player, he's always causing some sort of locker room rift, I'd not want him on my team