Lakers Rumors: Trading Andrew Bynum Is a Move That Needs to Be Done Now

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting old. That’s not breaking or shocking news, as every team becomes old at sometime. Having Andrew Bynum as the face of the Lakers franchise should scare Lakers fans. It’s why they have to make a move for the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard.

At first, Lakers executive Jim Buss was hesitant to move Bynum. There were talks during the NBA draft this year that a deal involving Bynum for Howard was in talks. However, that deal did not go through. Nothing was ever reported as to why it did not go through. But, there were people who thought that Buss killed any possible deals.

Now it looks like Buss is warming up to the idea of moving Bynum for Howard. According to CBSsports: 

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Executive Jim Buss finally has dropped his opposition to trading center Andrew Bynum "for the right deal." That's code for "a deal for Dwight Howard," and it's clear from those familiar with Howard's thinking that he'd like to join the Lakers.

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The first question that has to be asked by Lakers fans is, what took him so long in dropping this opposition in trading Bynum?

Bynum has underperformed in his six years with the Lakers, having only played one full season. Those five other years, Bynum never played in more than 65 games. His minutes have averaged around 28-30 minutes per game. However, when he is only playing in 35-50 games per year, he is not doing a lot to help his team.

With Bynum getting older, and his knees not getting any better, the time is right to make a move for Howard or anyone. 

If they would do this trade, for Howard, the Lakers will get a player that has played a full season in five of his seven years. The most games that Howard has missed in a season is four, while averaging 36 minutes per game. 

If they get Howard for Bynum, the Lakers would have one of the best guard-center combos in the league. With Kobe and his command of double and triple coverage from defenses, it will open the floor for Howard to have a career year. 

While at Orlando, Howard had his best season averaging 22 points per game. If he is traded to Los Angeles, Lakers fans can expect to see Howard averaging anywhere between 25-28 points per game.  

The Lakers have been known as a franchise with the best player in the NBA on their team. With Howard they will continue that trend heading into the rest of this decade. 

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