Andrew Bynum Says He Wants to Remain with Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers star center Andrew Bynum has made it known that he wants to stay with the organization following a disappointing end to his team's season.
It's almost a foregone conclusion that the Lakers will pick up his $16.1 million option for next season, but he's not looking to leave Los Angeles, even beyond the 2012-13 season.
Bynum had the following to say, per the Orange County Register:
"“I don’t want to go anywhere,” Bynum said Wednesday. “Hopefully if I keep elevating my play, I won’t have to.”
“I can assure you I’m not waiting because I want to go somewhere,” Bynum said. “That’s for sure.”
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Whether that comes as a relief or disappointment to Lakers fans is up to their personal preference, but Bynum probably won't be inking a contract extension with the team this offseason—not because he doesn't want to, but because he is only allowed to sign an extension for three more seasons after his 2012-13 campaign with the Lakers.
This is according to rules that have taken effect under the new CBA that was reached last year. It would be a much wiser move for Bynum to play out 2012-13 under his option, and then re-sign with the Lakers for five years in order to receive a larger pay increase.
Still just 24 years old, Bynum exhibited some maturity issues this season, but those problems aren't as concerning as the fact that he has played only two full seasons since he came into the league in 2005.
Bynum's return is definitely going to impact the moves that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and the rest of the front office choose to make, which should make for an interesting offseason.
