This seems like one of the most over-asked questions in NBA circles over the last few years. Should the Lakers trade Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard? But, it’s being asked again, especially after Dwight Howard’s pedestrian start to the season and Andrew Bynum’s recent 20-20 game against the Houston Rockets. And, the answer is surprisingly simple.
If you are the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in the wake of the Chris Paul deal, you definitely make this trade.
If you are the Orlando Magic, you might make this trade.
For the Lakers, it’s simple. Whether it’s a straight-up swap of Bynum for Howard, or Bynum and some other pieces, you make this trade. Of course, you cannot give up Pau Gasol and Bynum just to get Howard, though; that would be giving up too much. The Lakers have made great things happen with the twin tower attack of two talented bigs.
Bynum is tall, long, beastly, but, as we all know, a little injury-prone. 24 years old. 7-0. 285 lbs. And, there is something to be said for having a legitimate 7-0 with a long wingspan. Having watched him since he was drafted, I can tell you, he blocks or alters a lot of shots when he’s on the floor. Offensively, he is a handful for defenses. But, he has only played one full season, 2006-2007, and he has played fewer than 60 games in all but one other season, 2009-2010. On the plus side, Bynum has soft hands and is a good shooter. He has solid post moves and uses his pivot effectively. Although Bynum is not an All-Star, yet, he is a two-time NBA Champion, so he brings some experience in that regard.
Bynum’s Career Statistics
10.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg
57.0% FG, 68.4% FT
Bynum highlights:
For the Magic, it’s more complicated. Obviously, no one wants to trade away a multiple winner of the Defensive Player of the Year Award, but his contract is ending. Howard has not re-signed, so he’ll be a free agent, just like LeBron James was. He could go anywhere. So, really, the Magic could do worse than to trade Howard for Bynum. They’ll probably have to trade him eventually. In the summer, Howard could leave and they could be left with nothing. You never know, Bynum may still develop into the All-Star level player many think he can be.
Howard is a physical specimen, a beast. 26 years old. 6’11. 240 lbs. He is very healthy, having played less than 80 games in each season only once in his career. Most importantly, Howard is a defensive anchor to any team. He is a three-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Howard is a five-time, soon to be six-time, All-Star. And last year, Howard led the league in rebounds for the fourth time at a career-high mark of 15.3 rpg.
Howard Career Statistics
18.2 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.2 bpg
57.7% FG, 59.7% FT
Howard highlights:
So, the Lakers should change the Earth’s orbit in order to obtain the services of Howard, while the Magic are in control (and they know it) and they are searching for the right deal.
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
