Has Andrew Bynum Already Surpassed Kobe Bryant as the Lakers' No. 1 Option?

Los Angeles Lakers fans have been waiting for this Andrew Bynum for quite some time now.

Now that we have seen what he's capable of on a nightly basis, it gives the Lakers an advantage over almost every opponent they will face during the season.

Playing like this, Bynum is a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches and the way he's dominated the glass since his return from suspension just gives the Lakers another weapon.

But has he passed Kobe Bryant as the Lakers' No.1 option?

That answer is no.

Maybe he should be, but he's not going to supplant the future Hall of Famer after a six-game stretch.

To become the go-to guy, Bynum still has to prove he can go through a season healthy and he still has some growing up to do. In order to be the guy, you have to be counted on to be on the floor. We'll see if Bynum can get to that point.

Although Bynum may not be surpassing Bryant as the main option in the offense just yet, he should be getting close to doing so and there should be a better balance in the offense.

The Lakers have never done well as far as postseason success when Bryant takes over 25 shots per game and while the Lakers are winning at the moment, and Bryant is putting up great numbers, ultimately the Lakers offense would run better if it ran through the big men.

But there's also nothing wrong with sticking with the hot hand, and that's Bryant right now.

Having said that, Bynum needs more touches. Definitely much more than the nine shot attempts he got in Friday night's win against Golden State.

For the best success down the road for the Lakers, they eventually need to find a good balance between the two.

Eventually, though, the Lakers offense will run primarily through Bynum.

Just not today.