LA Lakers: Lake Show Make Right Move With Andrew Bynum's Contract Option

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has received criticism from everyone including Kobe Bryant to every fan that wears purple on game night.

Kupchak did what he could to improve the team at the trade deadline, but his latest move was a no-brainer, confirming they will pick up the option on Andrew Bynum's contract, at least assuring that the big man will be in purple and gold next season.

After missing out on Dwight Howard, the Lakers have until June 30th to exercise the center's $16.1 million option.

If Kupchak can't work out a long-term deal with the All-Star center, Bynum will be a free agent after the 2012-13 season. Coincidentally, that's the same time Howard is set to become a free agent after deciding not to opt out of his contract this summer.

While the Lakers may still make a serious run at Howard, it's refreshing to know they still have the option of having the next best thing around.

Bynum's put together a fantastic 2012 season, averaging 18.1 PPG, 12.9 RPG and 2.0 BPG, and is a big part of why the Lakers are still a threat in the Western Conference race.

He's been especially good in March, averaging 24 PPG and 13.1 RPG while shooting 65.7 percent from the floor in 10 games. He is also averaging 41 minutes per game this month.

Even more important has been the fact that Bynum has been healthy.

Bynum has played all 41 games he has been eligible for this season, very good for a guy who's played an entire 82-game slate only once in his first six seasons, missing large parts of time in the past because of knee problems.

A healthy Bynum has proven to be a force that's tough to stop.

Barring some offseason moves, it's good for Lakers fans to know that the man in the middle will be around for a little while longer.