By John McMullen, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
(Sports Network) - Obviously if you reach the NBA Finals and take the eventual champs to six games you have to be considered a legitimate NBA title contender.
But, after watching the Boston Celtics torture the Los Angeles Lakers on the glass last June was Phil Jackson's club really all that close?
Without Andrew Bynum, the Lakers couldn't rebound or defend the pick-and-roll against the Celtics. Now that the 22-year-old phenom is back from a fractured kneecap suffered last January, Los Angeles looks much better equipped to take the next step.
At 7-foot-1 and 280 pounds, Bynum is a beast on the boards and easily the Lakers only top-tier rebounder. Pau Gasol puts up numbers but when it really comes down to pushing and shoving in big situations, the Spanish star is more likely to beg off when things get rough inside.
Bynum craves contact and has the size and strength to wilt the opposition. He also has the athleticism to show on the pick-and-roll and still scurry back to make a play from the weak-side if necessary.
While Bynum is still shaking off the cobwebs, he has shown flashes during the Lakers impressive 6-0 start. The New Jersey native still hasn't found his touch from the floor, shooting just 42.9 percent, but his presence allows Kobe Bryant and Gasol to freelance at the defensive end. A fact that isn't lost of Bynum, who understands his role despite his age and inexperience.
"You are always going to be able to hang in there when you play good defense in the fourth quarter," Bynum recently said.
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