Andrew Bynum Wants to Be the Lakers’ Focal Point Soon

Bynum believes he can become the League’s best big man, if only he’d get the opportunity to truly showcase his stuff (ie. he needs to become the main guy in LA.) Somewhere, Kobe Bryant just arched an eyebrow before heading back to bed. From FanHouse: “Bynum believes he can be the best center of the decade. ‘Of course. Of course,’ Bynum said. ‘I just need to get the opportunity to do something like that. I believe that (he can be the best).’ It would be a tall order to overcome the NBA’s premier tall guy. Howard, 25, has career averages of 17.8 points and 12.7 rebounds, including 22.1 and 13.3 this season. Bynum, 23, has career numbers of 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds, including 11.0 and 7.3 this season. The first thing Bynum needs to do is to stay healthy. He’s had knee injuries that have hampered him for four straight seasons. So what’s the second thing the six-year man must do to reach his lofty goal? To borrow from another guy who has played in Los Angeles, former USC Trojan Keyshawn Johnson: ‘Just Give Me the Damn Ball.’ ‘I just got to get an opportunity to kind of be a focal point on this squad,’ said Bynum, who had 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes against the Nuggets while outplaying Nuggets center Nene, an All-Star candidate who had nine points, seven rebounds and no blocks in 35 minutes. ‘That’s the only way to find out really (how good Bynum can be).’ Bynum was asked when he believes that must happen. ‘Hopefully, it happens eventually. Soon,’ he said. It sounds as if the 7-foot Bynum prefers soon. Even though he’s still working his way into shape after missing the first 14 games of the season following summer knee surgery, he’s bucking for more touches. ‘I’m still recovering,’ Bynum said. ‘I’m still getting back to strength. I’d definitely like to get the ball more. That’s how we’re going to get more comfortable out there.'”