Is Bynum Back?: Andrew at His Best As Lakers Beat Bobcats for Sixth Straight Win

The pesky Charlotte Bobcats have been the Lakers' worst enemy of late, beating Los Angeles in eight of their last ten meetings. They hosted the Bobcats hoping to win their sixth straight since the All-Star break.

Andrew Bynum didn't make it onto the hardwood until December because of persistent knee injuries that seem to be following him through his career, and his minutes have been limited upon his return.

However, Bynum was anything but limited against Charlotte at the Staples Center as he revealed what he can do when he's healthy. Despite being a five-year veteran in the league, Andrew is only 23 years old, and still has the potential to be one of the top big men in the NBA.

Bynum was a beast on the boards, using his size (7'0", 285 lbs.) and long arms to snag a season-high 17 rebounds for the Lakers. He also swatted a season-high six Bobcat shot attempts.

Is Bynum truly back? He was certainly active in the Lakers' 92-84 win, and proved his athleticism as he slammed down an alley-oop pass from Kobe Bryant early in the third.

In his last two games, Bynum put up consecutive double-doubles. He missed the milestone by one point against the Bobcats, but if he can't stay healthy, the Lakers will have to move on.

His performance against Charlotte was a good sign, but Dwight Howard trade rumors are lurking in the shadows...