Lakers Trade Rumors: Andrew Bynum's Huge Game Will Impact Future in LA

Andrew Bynum was a monster on the glass and the scoreboard last night. His 37-point, 16-rebound performance on  impeccable 15 of 18 shooting from the floor helped power the Lakers to a riveting 116-111 double overtime win over the Grizzlies in Memphis Tuesday night.

In fact, Bynum might have solidified his future in Los Angeles. The dominant performance might deem his stock untouchable, as the Lakers big man has finally lived up to the hype surrounding him when they drafted him in the first round in 2005.

As Dwight Howard trade rumors have died down as of late with Superman openly stating that he would like to remain in Orlando for the rest of the season, it appears highly unlike that Los Angeles would deal Bynum for the Magic’s superstar at this point.

Recently, Bynum has undertaken a larger role in head coach Mike Brown’s offense. The seven-footer is now a regular part of what the Lake Show does on the frontcourt, getting frequent touches each possession and at times, running the offense inside-out from the post.

Bynum has thrived this month since Brown started to feature him prolifically in the Lake Show, as Bynum has averaged 26.4 points per contest through March, improving almost seven points on his 17.6 per game season average.

With Bynum looking like he’s usurped Howard as the most dominant center in the NBA this month, the Lakers would be out of their minds make a blockbuster deal for Howard at this point, especially with Howard likely to sign with Nets and join their move to Brooklyn next season as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports.

Bynum now has too vital of a role in Los Angeles for the Lakers to part with him. At 24, he inherits the role of the team’s franchise player as the 33-year-old Kobe Bryant continues to age.

Bynum is in the final two years of his contract and is scheduled to make a very reasonable $14.9 million next season. He’ll certainly command a high priced multi-year deal if the Lakers are to retain him. If Bynum is to stay, the Lakers could look to deal Pau Gasol, as he is owed almost $54 million over the next three seasons.

It would be in the Lakers best interests to keep Bynum. However, the NBA Trade Deadline is one of the most unpredictable ones in sports, so we’ll just have to wait and see.