NBA Playoffs 2012: Andrew Bynum Will Continue Lackluster Effort in Game 3

Andrew Bynum had 20 points in each of the first two games between the Thunder and the Lakers.

Nonetheless, Bynum is playing halfhearted basketball.

At times, it's almost like Bynum doesn't realize how good he can be, or if he even wants to be. He pouts, argues and whines his way through long stretches of too many games. 

If the Lakers want to make an unlikely comeback against a superior opponent, they will need Bynum checked in, and not just in the box score. 

Los Angeles needs Bynum checked in mentally and playing focused, determined basketball.

There's no questioning Kobe Bryant's will to win (despite his miserable fourth-quarter performance in Game 2), but no matter how good Kobe can be, he needs someone to play second fiddle if the Lakers want to have a real chance of advancing. 

Bynum is that second option. When he's at his best, he could even qualify as a No. 1 option. 

Let's take a look at Bynum, and why his head is keeping him from the being an upper-echelon player. 

Tantrums = Wasted Energy

Bynum plays with the same sense of entitlement most NBA players do, but that doesn't mean it's a good thing. 

Every time Bynum turns to a referee with a "who me?" look on his face, he could be doing something more productive. 

Bynum checks out of games and allows the emotion of the game to damage his psyche. This keeps him from playing to his full potential and from playing efficient basketball, resulting in 8-19 shooting performances (like Game 2). 

The Lakers need Bynum to wrangle a leadership role on this team. 

Pau Gasol doesn't have the demeanor for it and neither does Ron Artest. So far, Bynum doesn't seem to be much better.

Bynum's attitude has been subject to heavy scrutiny throughout the season. 

Yes, he's only 24 and still immature in many ways. Does that mean he cannot grow, and come into his own at some point?

For the Lakers sake, I hope not. 

How Do You Want to be Remembered?

Bynum is already the second-best center in the NBA behind Dwight Howard. He has the opportunity to be remembered as a star player in the NBA without the diva attitude, if he wants.

Coexisting with Kobe's iconic status has to be difficult. There's no way to doubt that. 

Maybe that's the root of Bynum's polarizing temperament.

Yes, Bryant has called Bynum and other Laker players out publicly or at least alluded to it. But that doesn't mean Bynum shouldn't rise above it and be the player the Lakers sorely need.

The Saint Joseph alumni is talented enough to produce like Dwight Howard, but his demeanor is not too far from DeMarcus Cousins. 

Hopefully, Bynum strays toward the former rather than the latter.

The Lakers need Bynum to play like Howard if they want to make a playoff comeback, but he won't. The Thunder are in the zone and playing more hungry than any Laker player right now. 

Prediction: Thunder sweep this series and Bynum pitches a fit again at some point.