Andrew Bynum: Latest Rumor Roundup on Lakers Center

It seems that everyone is forgetting that Andrew Bynum is still the Los Angeles Lakers and 2012 Western Conference All-Stars starting center with all of the crazy Dwight Howard rumors running rampant.

Bynum is just 24 years old, he's a straight-up beast who averages 18.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.9 BPG and 1.4 APG, and he stands at a legit 7’0", 285 pounds.

However, the Lakers seem desperate to get rid of him in order to facilitate a trade with the Orlando Magic for their petulant superstar.

Let’s take a look at the latest leaks about where Bynum may wind up playing in 2012-13.

Cleveland Cavaliers

According to Real GM’s Jarrod N. Rudolph, Bynum may be heading to Ohio as part of a three-team deal with the Cavs and Magic.

The framework of this trade involves Bynum to Cleveland, Howard to Los Angeles and Anderson Varejao plus draft picks heading to Orlando.

Obviously, much more would be involved to make salary figures work and for Orlando to dump bad contracts off their cap, but these are the main pieces being discussed.

While Cleveland might not be the most glamorous destination for a player who has been in L.A. since he was 17 years old, they have a great youth movement in place with Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters.

Bynum would be a key player for a potential playoff contender for the foreseeable future.

Orlando Magic

ESPN.com found that the Magic (and Cavs) are reluctant to involve Howard in any deal for Bynum without some insurance that the young man will sign a long-term extension with the franchise.

It’s completely understandable why the two-time NBA champion would not want to sign with a rebuilding team when he knows his best chance to keep winning titles is with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in L.A.

If Orlando can find a way to get a guaranteed extension from Bynum, a trade would likely happen almost immediately after.