LA Lakers: Andrew Bynum Proving Talent Matters More Than Discipline

Andrew Bynum's difficulty adapting to his role as an up-and-coming leader on the Los Angeles Lakers has been well-documented.

His ill-advised three-point attempt and subsequent benching against the Golden State Warriors were a warning sign to any Lakers fan under the impression that Ramon Sessions alone could solve Los Angeles' problems. 

Bynum is clearly still a work in progress, but that doesn't mean he hasn't already made a significant impact on the Lakers' success this season.

In his last five games, the 24-year-old center has stepped up in Kobe Bryant's absence—he's averaging 22 points, 16.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over that stretch.

That doesn't mean he hasn't faced some difficulty carrying the added responsibility. Bynum has made just 41 percent of his field goals in those five games, and he's yet to perfect his decision-making under pressure and ability to pass out of a double-team.

Still, his production and ability to impact the painted area are rare in this league.

Of course, some could argue that impressive production is no substitute for mature leadership, and they would be absolutely correct. Even the most talented players can create insurmountable distractions.

The more value indicator, then, may be the fact that Bynum's team has continued to win, taking four of the five games played without Bryant. Los Angeles has held on to the third seed in the Western Conference and shaken any doubts that this team is still in the contender mix.

What's more, the Lakers have taken down good teams—most recently, Los Angeles hammered the San Antonio Spurs 98-84 and held on for a 112-108 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks. 

Bynum's 30 rebounds in the win over San Antonio may not be sufficient grounds for forgiving his prior insubordination, but they're certainly a first step.

The young All-Star wouldn't be the first wild card to fit in with a championship team. Dennis Rodman didn't mess things up for the championship-era Chicago Bulls, and Rasheed Wallace similarly helped the Detroit Pistons to a title despite his hot-headed disposition.

None of this should condone Bynum's behavior, but it should put it in perspective.