Andrew Bynum Benching: Lakers Are Doomed If Star Doesn't Embrace Team Concept

After Andrew Bynum was benched in the Los Angeles Lakers' victory on Tuesday night, he was brutally honest about not agreeing with the decision. Unless he gets back on the same page with head coach Mike Brown, the Lakers won't be making any type of playoff run.

Bynum was removed from the game after attempting a three-pointer that missed. That's obviously not the big man's strong suit, but he refused to back down from his decision, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles.

"

Bynum vowed to continue to "expand his game" by taking shots from beyond the arc.

"I guess, 'Don't take 3s' is the message, but I'm going to take another one and I'm going to take some more, so I just hope it's not the same result," Bynum said. "Hopefully I make it."

"

Counting last night's miss, Bynum has made just one of his eight career attempts from beyond the arc. Most of his offense comes around the rim, so starting to attempt three-point shots during the heat of a playoff race probably isn't the best decision.

Nobody can blame him for trying to expand his game. After all, if he's able to help stretch the floor, the Lakers offense will become more potent. That said, trying to make such a radical adjustment to his approach should be done in the offseason.

Trying to force up long-range jumpers despite a lack of success in the past won't please his coach, who has already shown nobody is above getting benched after having Kobe Bryant take a seat on Sunday.

The Lakers were finally starting to show some offensive momentum in recent games following the acquisition of Ramon Sessions at the trade deadline. They can't afford for Bynum to suddenly disrupt that rhythm.

He's finally started to live up to the hype this season. The seventh-year center averages 18 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 58 percent from the floor. Those numbers are good enough to make the Lakers competitive in any series. He doesn't need to change his game right now.

It's time for Bynum to realize the team doesn't revolve around him.

If Brown thinks it's best for him to remain in the paint to generate offense, he needs to do exactly that. Otherwise he'll end up right back on the bench.

The Lakers need everybody on the same page if they are going to knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game series.

Bynum remains a huge asset on both ends of the floor, but he needs to embrace the team concept for the Lakers to be successful.