Andrew Bynum is on the market once again. After being a star center for a championship team, Bynum cannot seem to find his footing with any team after knee injuries kept him off the court for over a year. He did not play one minute with the Philadelphia 76ers. He lasted a little longer with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then again, played zero minutes with the Indiana Pacers before the team gave up on him. A free agent once again, a few familiar faces might be willing to take a chance on the center.
Bynum has essentially been the dead weight of three teams in two years. So his career is over right? Maybe, but maybe not. Dan Favale of Bleacher Report noted there is a strong chance the center could make a comeback next season, but it might take some familiar faces to make it happen. It seems crazy for any team to sign the center at this point, but Bynum is only 26 and if he is healthy and actually cares, he can be a force on the court.
Favale brings up the idea that the Los Angeles Lakers might be a darkhorse candidate to sign the center in the offseason. As of now, the only frontcourt player the Lakers have under contract is Robert Sacre. Pau Gasol, Chris Kaman and Jordan Hill are all headed out the door for free agency and only Gasol has a chance of getting offered a contract. The chances of re-signing Gasol are 50-50 at best meaning there will be some huge gaps when it comes to rebounds and blocking next year.
The Lakers could have a hard time getting free agents to join on knowing that Kobe Bryant only has two seasons left and Steve Nash has one foot in the retirement pool. Bynum might be their best move before getting someone in the draft. Bynum was at his best with the Lakers and Bryant. Between 2009 and 2010 he averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds while helping win the team two championships. He would come very cheap and Bryant will not tolerate a bad attitude in his final years.
The Lakers could also look towards the draft for options. The team has the No. 7 pick and could be hoping center Joel Embiid is around for pickings. Back issues could prevent the Kansas big man from getting drafted in the first few picks. According to ESPN.com, if he falls to the Lakes, the team will draft him since they have so much uncertainty at the position.
The Lakers might not be the only team in the running for Bynum. Phil Jackson noted that if his former player is healthy, signing with the Knicks is an option. The team president told FOX Sports that Bynum still has the same skillset he always had and if he can prove that to be true, New York would be a good fit. Someone will sign Bynum this offseason, but it is up to the center on whether or not he actually plays.