3 Ways Mike Brown Can Get Andrew Bynum More Involved in Lakers Offense

This article will look at three ways Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown can get Andrew Bynum more involved in the team’s new offense.

It has recently been reported that Brown’s new offense will focus more on Bynum and Pau Gasol rather than Kobe Bryant. This should not come as a surprise. Bryant is still the Los Angeles Lakers’ best player, but the team’s biggest strength is its frontcourt, led by Bynum and Gasol.

Assuming these reports are true, here are three ways Brown can get a jump-start on getting No. 17 more involved in the Lakers’ new offense.

3. Focus on Getting Andrew Bynum Under the Basket

Andrew Bynum is not able to score as easily with his back to the basket as Pau Gasol is. When Bynum was able to get into a rhythm offensively the last few seasons, the majority of his baskets came off putbacks, dunks and free throws.

If Brown expects him to create offense on his own, the Lakers are likely headed for a lot of stagnant offensive possessions next season.

2. Find a Way for Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol to Become a More Formidable Duo

As curious as it may sound—and frightening for the opposition—I don’t believe we have seen the best of the Gasol-Bynum duo.

This has largely been due to Bynum’s numerous knee injuries the last few seasons, in addition to one of the two playing well when the other was stuck in a slump.

If Mike Brown’s offense really is going to be geared towards Gasol and Bynum and the two can find a consistent cohesion on the court, the team may be ready to return to the NBA Finals sooner than people think.

1. Don't Involve Him Too Much

During the second half of last season, Bynum began focusing the majority of his efforts on the defensive end of the court rather than trying to be another scorer in an offense already steered by Bryant and Gasol.

Bynum’s newfound emphasis on defense was felt immediately. In the 22 games after the break, Bynum averaged 12 rebounds and more than two blocks a game, as the team won 17 of its first 18 games.

What Mike Brown doesn’t want to do is to give Bynum the idea that he needs to score 25 every night. I would rather Bynum score 10 to go along with 15 rebounds and four blocks.