Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Reasons Why Andrew Bynum's 'Untouchable' Tag Is Permanent

Since the Lakers returned from the All-Star break, the team has won 15 of 16 games. A huge part of this can be attributed to the improved play of Andrew Bynum.

In his 14 games since the break, Bynum has averaged 13 rebounds and 11 points a game.

With his sudden focus on defense and rebounding, Bynum is playing the best basketball of his young career.

According to Marcel Mutoni of SLAMonline, General Manager Mitch Kupchak has stated that if Bynum continues his improved play, he is virtually untradeable.

Here are five reasons why Mitch Kupchak won’t be changing his mind any time soon.

5. Andrew Bynum Is a Better Defender Than Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 27: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers helps teammate Lamar Odom #7 up after a play against the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on M

Even before Bynum’s improvement on defense, he was more physical presence in the paint than Pau Gasol and/or Lamar Odom.

While Gasol and Odom are far superior offensive players, Bynum is much better defensively.

4. Andrew Bynum Is Still a Work in Progress

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CHICAGO - DECEMBER 19: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 19, 2006 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won 94-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agreees that,

With all of the knee injuries, trade rumors and up-and-down play, it seems as though Bynum has been with the franchise for a decade.

However, this is only Bynum’s sixth year in the league. In addition, he is only 23 years old.

3. Honestly, Who Would the Lakers Want Instead?

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CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 14: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as he sits on the bench during their game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena on February 14, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expres

Assuming that Bynum continues his focus on defense and rebounding, the Lakers will have an All-Star center for years to come.

The Lakers have longed for Bynum to focus his energy on the defensive end.

It would be silly to ever consider trading him now that he is doing what the coaching staff has always wanted.

A seven-foot, defensive-minded center is hard to come by in today’s NBA.

2. Andrew Bynum Is the Only Building Block the Lakers Have for the Future

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a rebound from Chris Kaman #35 of the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on February 25, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 108-95. NOTE TO USER: User expre

As of right now, Andrew Bynum is the only building block the organization has looking forward.

Bynum will be going strong for the Lakers long after Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest are nearing the end of their careers.

1. Andrew Bynum Has Finally Found His Niche on the Team

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: Andrew Bynum #17 returns to the bench and is greeted by teammates Kobe Bryant #24 and Jordan Farmar #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on June 6, 2010 in

Considering Bynum has been in and out of the lineup the last four seasons with numerous injuries, it has been hard for him to find a consistent rhythm playing with his teammates.

When Bynum has been healthy in the past, it seemed as though he tried to contribute to the team more with his scoring than his defense.

However, when you are playing with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, scoring is usually not hard to come by.

Now, Bynum seems more focused on defense and rebounding, which the team needs instead of another scorer.

With all of the media attention and praise from coaches and teammates, don’t expect Bynum to slow down any time soon.