How Andrew Bynum's Rebounding Resurgence Will Save the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were without Andrew Bynum for the first four games of the season, although you can make the case that they've never had this Bynum at all.

Bynum returned to the Lakers lineup on fire, especially when it comes to crashing the glass, and it's his rebounding that has led to the Lakers' resurgence.

After his awesome 21-point, 22-rebound effort in a Lakers win over the Houston Rockets, Bynum has come back averaging 22.7 points and 17 rebounds per game.

While it's only been three games, Bynum is playing as well if not better than any center currently in the NBA.

The Lakers have been waiting for Bynum to really arrive for some time now and have been patient in doing so. If this is what they are going to get for results, then they may want to second-guess considering trying to deal Bynum for anyone, including Dwight Howard.

Much was made about what the Lakers didn't do in the offseason and came out losing their first two games, but getting Bynum back in the lineup could be the thing that ends up saving this team.

So far under Mike Brown, the Lakers has won with rebounding and defense, and adding Bynum to the mix makes them possible contenders again.

If he keeps playing at this level.

He's been aggressive at both ends of the floor and is a huge post weapon. Possibly as good as anyone in the league.

He's also a good shot-blocker and post-defender—exactly what a team like the Lakers that already has Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol needs.

Keeping him on the floor has always been a problem, but when he's on it, especially so far this season, Bynum has shown flashes of being an All-Star caliber center.

If he keeps playing anywhere close to this level, the sky is the limit for both Bynum and the Lakers.