Why Andrew Bynum Is Now More Valuable Than Kobe to L.A. Lakers

Kobe Bryant is undeniably the best member of the Los Angeles Lakers. With that said, he isn’t the most valuable. That title belongs to the 24-year-old center Andrew Bynum.

You see, in no way or shape do I believe Bynum is a better player. Bryant is one of the best players currently on the planet and will go down as one of the best ever. However, Bynum ultimately represents the future of this illustrious franchise.

There will come a time where the Lakers will transition and become a Bynum-centered team, not one predicated upon the fortune of Kobe’s play.

This season, Bynum’s taken a giant step in becoming an elite big man in the NBA. He’s averaging career highs in points (16.5), rebounds (12.6) and blocks (2.1). In addition, he’s shooting 54.3 percent from the field.

Due to his impressive start to the season, he's been selected for the first time as a starter/participant in the 2012 All-Star Game. That alone has got to be a big confidence booster for the young player.

Bryant still seems to defy father time with his brilliance. Honestly, nothing that Kobe does surprises me anymore. Bryant has effectively eradicated the term “high degree of difficulty” when it comes to shot-making. Although Bryant’s excellence still exists, it’s evident that he’s slowing down a bit.

At 33, his best days are clearly behind him. A loss of athleticism is definitely expected, but it’s the efficiency that’s seen the biggest drop when talking about Kobe.

Bryant leads the league in scoring with a 29.4 PPG average, but he has to take a staggering 24 shots a game to get those 29 points. His loss of athleticism has essentially made him a jump-shooter at this point in his career. Kobe doesn’t drive the lane as often, which ultimately takes away from him getting fouled and going to the free-throw line.

Bynum, on the other hand, gets the Lakers much easier baskets with his high field-goal percentage. Yes, obviously because he doesn’t take a shot outside of five-feet, but nonetheless it’s true. He utilizes an array of post moves ranging from hooks, drop steps and emphatic dunks.

In addition, he’s becoming a much more adept passer out of the post. He’s acted as a fulcrum when passing out of double-teams, often leading an open teammate for a quality shot.

Conversely, the defensive side of the ball is the most significant difference when speaking about both Bynum and Bryant.

There’s a reason Bryant is a nine-time First Team All-Defense selection. Kobe has demonstrated a tenacious disposition and a competitive streak which made him the top at his position. His length and lateral quickness posed problems for even the most lethal of offensive players.

However, as his career has progressed, the mass amount of regular season and specifically playoff miles have piled up on the aging Bryant.

Currently, Bryant is still a fantastic help defender. He employs his long arms and is quite effective at double-teams and disrupting the opponent’s passing lanes. But as an on-ball defender, Kobe just isn’t what he once was. He’s constantly getting beat off the dribble and doesn’t seem to sustain the same level of intensity that he once did.

Kobe may be trying to conserve energy out on the floor, but regardless, he’s just not displaying the same defensive production at this juncture that was earlier in his career. He may be named to another All-NBA Defensive team, but it will be interesting to see if this year’s defensive statistics will warrant another selection.

Bynum, on the other hand, has been exceptional on the defensive end. He ranks third in the NBA with 12.6 rebounds a contest and has been an absolute terror in regards to offensive rebounding (he’s averaging a career-high 3.5 offensive rebounds per game).

The Lakers have a problem defending opposing guards and it often results in mass amounts of penetration attacking the teeth of Lakers defense. Despite those shortcomings, Bynum masks many of those deficiencies with his ability.

He’s presented himself as a premier shot-blocker in the league, using his extremely long limbs to alter countless shots and block others. His length and overall size makes it extremely difficult for any guard penetrating in the lane.

Bynum has also become a good stationary post defender, utilizing his wingspan and obstructing any possible post move by the opponent.

Aside from actual ability, Bynum’s value lies heavily in regards to his age. At only 24, he has an extremely bright future. Each season has resulted in big improvement from the New Jersey native.  

It’s no secret that the combination of both his impressive offensive skill set and his defensive prowess has established Bynum as the best center in the NBA not named Dwight Howard.

Regardless of a future involving Bynum or not, his value might be highest to the Lakers as a massive trade asset. Twenty-four-year-old All-Star centers certainly don’t grow on trees and as a result, Bynum’s appeal is quite high.

In essence, Bynum represents a substantial chip that can either be built around for the future or can be used in order to foster a trade for an elite point guard (or perhaps a herculean post player currently residing in Orlando). If anything, Bynum gives the Lakers lots of flexibility.

Bynum’s vast potential is apparent. His incredibly high ceiling as a player has not yet been fulfilled, as he’s improving seemingly on a gamely basis. Barring any further injury problems, he’ll be one of the best centers in the game for the next six to eight years.

Kobe is…well…Kobe. His fantastic play, though, can only hold up for so long. He’s still the most talented member of the Lakers, but Bynum is clearly the most valuable in regards to the future.