Los Angeles Lakers: Do Orlando Magic Want Andrew Bynum After Latest Performance?
With the trading deadline less than 48 hours away, the Orlando Magic find themselves in a desperate situation.
Although Dwight Howard has said that he wants to finish the season with the Magic, he implied that he wants to eventually sign with the New Jersey Nets during free agency.
It only makes sense that the Magic trade Howard and get something in return rather than seeing him walk away during free agency.
3,000 miles away in Los Angeles, Andrew Bynum has been peaking as one of the best young centers in the game. He's been involved in trade rumors for Howard in the past and as we approach the deadline, Bynum is definitely the best piece the Magic can get for D12.
It's a highly explosive situation.
Bynum had possibly the best performance of his career on Tuesday night in Memphis. Memphis is a city where Bynum once had his darkest hour when he injured his knee and became known as one of the most injury-prone players in the league.
Tuesday night, though, it might've been his coming-out party.
Was it an audition though? Or a message to the Lakers that he's actually the better option at center?
Even if the Magic are interested in Bynum, the Lakers may not be willing to trade him now. Bynum is younger than Howard and he has a contract locked up with the team.
What makes the Lakers think that Howard will stay in L.A. after free agency when his heart is set on playing in Brooklyn?
Bynum has also been healthy this season and the security of his contract makes him an attractive option.
Finally, when looking at the numbers, Howard doesn't really bring that much of an upgrade. Bynum is averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds while Howard is averaging 21 points and 15 rebounds. One must consider that Bynum is on a team with the three All-Stars. Howard, on the other hand, is the only stud on Orlando's team.
This means he gets more shot opportunities and he naturally has to do more to help his team win. As a result, his numbers may be inflated. Bynum could probably average similar numbers if he were in Orlando.
The Lakers are better off without Dwight.
Meanwhile, the Magic should be punching themselves for not taking Bynum while they had the chance. The Lakers know that even if they deal Bynum for Howard straight up, it would be a mistake for them.
The way Bynum has been playing has made every member of the Lakers' front office smile and say, "Told ya so," about the seven-foot center who seems to be surrounded by trade rumors every season.
Bynum, on the contrary, has played the basketball of his career and earned himself the title of Lakers center of today and the future.
