Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bynum Benching an Ominous Sign for Mike Brown's Club

Only one game after Kobe Bryant was benched for losing his cool, Andrew Bynum has stolen the spotlight—and given Mike Brown yet another headache as the Lakers inch toward the postseason.

Bynum took a woefully inadvisable three-pointer early in the shot clock during the third quarter of a tight game against Golden State. Unsurprisingly, he missed, spoiling an otherwise important 104-101 win against the Warriors.

What happened next was justifiably predictable—Bynum got benched, following in Bryant's still warm footsteps.

The only thing more disturbing than Bynum's decision to shoot the ball was his unapologetic reaction afterwards. His comments after the game suggest a profound lack of maturity and an even more profound lack of respect for his coach.

Bynum—who failed to join the huddle later in the game—explained to reporters, "He took me out of the game, so I just sat where he put me."

He also suggested that any message the benching may have conveyed had fallen on deaf ears, promising to take more three-pointers in the future. Lakers' fans have to hope those won't come for some time.

To hear Bynum describe events, his shot was the product of an evolving long-range dimension he hopes to add to his game. The problem with this thinking, of course, is that the young Bynum is no Ryan Anderson just yet.

This looked like a shot from a player who wanted to be benched—or who, at the very least, wanted to somehow make a point. 

If this is the kind of passive aggressive infighting we can expect to see from the newly minted All-Star, Los Angeles has reason to worry. Bynum is indispensable to the Lakers' championship aspirations, but his inconsistent effort and questionable decision making pale in comparison to his childish postgame sentiments.

Already forced to answer for his handling of Bryant's temper tantrum, Mike Brown must now account for a star far more out of control. 

The team resorted to a players-only meeting in February amidst the endless trade talk, and it might be time for another. Kobe Bryant may be the only person in the Lakers' organization with the gravitas to talk some sense into the suddenly entitled Andrew Bynum.

Unfortunately, marginalizing Mike Brown any further may be the last thing this squad should do. 

Still attempting to fill the shoes of the legendary Phil Jackson, Brown has struggled to earn his team's respect. Kobe has consistently supported his coach and taken the high road—Bynum's latest display hasn't been quite so diplomatic.

If there's still any chance to snatch Dwight Howard from the Magic before the end of next season, you better believe the Lakers will jump at the opportunity. And, if Bynum's insubordination becomes a trend, Los Angeles will just have to hope Orlando still wants him.

It's hard to imagine Mike Brown will for much longer.