Have Trade Rumors Inspired Bynum?

One of those teams, of course, was the Los Angeles Lakers. It was widely reported that the players being discussed in a trade for Dwight Howard were Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. While, I love what Dwight brings to the table, I wouldn’t trade both Gasol and Bynum for Dwight either. That’s two more than serviceable 7-footers. When Lamar Odom was traded to the Hornets before it was voided, he pouted. Then we he was ultimately dealt to the Mavs, he pouted some more. In fact he’s still pouting. Well, perhaps the trade rumors swirling around Bynum have impacted him too, but in a good way unlike Odom.

After sitting out the first handful of games this year because of his attempted battery on J.J. Barea in the playoffs last May, Bynum has begun this season as if he has something to prove. One of the biggest knocks on him is that he’s oft-injured and even when he’s healthy, you expect more. Sure he’s only played 3 games so far this season but his average is 22.7 and 17. I don’t know that Bynum has ever had a 3-game stretch posting those number. This includes a 21 and 22 game last night against the Rockets.

But it goes further than just numbers. If you watch him play, he’s approaching games with much more intensity and aggressiveness, to the likes of which he hasn’t in the past. His moves in the post look a bit more refined and he’s attacking the glass feverishly. From my seat, he’s playing as if he has something to prove. That’s because he does. To me he’s trying to prove to those wrong who believe the Lakers should get rid of him to acquire Dwight Howard. That would fuel anybody (not named Lamar Odom).