Kobe Bryant: ‘Andrew Bynum Will Have to Fall in Line’

Andrew Bynum told the press in his exit interview that he expects to play a much larger offensive role next season, but Kobe isn’t ready to hand over the reigns just yet. Reports Yahoo! Sports: “In regards to Bynum’s offensive demands that he made Tuesday with local media, Bryant stated that the ball should continue to go through him first, [Pau] Gasol second. ‘Ultimately, he’ll have to fall in line because I’m gonna shoot the ball,’ Bryant said. ‘We all know that. Pau is going to get his touches. He’s No. 2. And then [Andrew] will have to fall in line.’ Bynum averaged 11.3 points and 9.4 rebounds in 54 regular-season games after starting the season late due to knee surgery. The 7-footer improved in the playoffs to average 14.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in the postseason. While Bryant was the leading scorer in the regular and postseason, Bynum flip-flopped with fellow big man Gasol in the postseason to be the Lakers’ second-leading scorer in the playoffs. Kupchak seemed encouraged by the injury-plagued center’s progress, but added that his offensive role will be dictated by the new coach.”