Andrew Bynum is in the middle of trying to make an NBA comeback and fans are shocked. After being forced to retire due to nagging injuries, the former star big man looks to be in good shape in recent videos that have emerged of him working out.
Throughout the 418 career games that Bynum has played in his NBA career, he has averaged 11.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Bynum has shot 55.6 percent from the floor overall. Those numbers show a glimpse of the kind of impact he had on the court.
Back in the 2011-12 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bynum showed star potential. He put up 18.7 points per game to go along with 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.
Making a comeback is not going to be easy for Bynum. The league has changed from being a back-to-the-basket league for centers to being more stretch-five oriented. Bynum was seen in videos working on his three-point shooting, but it seems hard to believe that he can become a threat from deep.
All of that being said, the Lakers should consider bringing the veteran big man back and giving him a second chance in the NBA.
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Why should the Lakers sign a guy that hasn’t played since 2013-14 who has had multiple knee problems? Quite simply, Magic Johnson needs to put as much talent around LeBron James as possible. Bynum may not be able to make an impact, but there is a lot of potential left in him.
Even though he has been out of the league for a few years, Bynum is just 30 years old. From an age perspective, he still has something left to offer. Add in the fact that the Lakers could use an upgrade at the center position and the move would make sense.
Los Angeles would not have to spend big money to bring Bynum in. More than likely, a veteran’s minimum contract would be all it would take to sign him for the 2018-19 NBA season. That price is more than worth the risk that it would take to bring him in for a season.
At the end of the day, even if Bynum is released and doesn’t make an impact, the Lakers were wise to take a chance on him. Having a 7-foot-0 center that weighs 280 pounds on the court with James would give the Lakers another offensive weapon if he can stay healthy.
NBA All-Star and 2x champ Andrew Bynum intends to make an NBA comeback and will schedule workouts, per @ShamsCharania
Bynum, 30, last played in 2014 for the Pacers. pic.twitter.com/6eEMoTDYBL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 9, 2018
There likely won’t be a whole lot of interest in Bynum this offseason. He is obviously working hard to get back on the court, but only a team like the Lakers can afford to take a chance on him. They are close to competing with the Golden State Warriors, but are a bit of talent away from that.
Expect to see Bynum work out for a few teams over the next few weeks. There is a good chance he will end up not finding a deal right away, but the Lakers should strongly consider a reunion with their former star big man. Why not?
