The stars are aligning for the Los Angeles Lakers. Yesterday, news broke that their chief rival to the Western Conference crown — the San Antonio Spurs — would be without the services of Manu Ginobili for the rest of the season. Now it looks like Andrew Bynum will be back before the week is out.
He probably won’t play Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings and he might not play Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. If he doesn’t play Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, that leaves next Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
It would be the perfect night and opponent, as far as Phil Jackson is concerned. The Lakers coach wants Bynum to clear a mental hurdle sooner rather than later. He doesn’t want the 7-foot center developing a complex about facing the Grizzlies.
Maybe it’s too late, however.
Bynum tore a right knee ligament Jan. 31 against Memphis.
He injured his left kneecap Jan. 13, 2008, against Memphis.
He faced Marc Gasol when he was hurt this season.
He faced Pau Gasol when he was hurt last season.
He scored 25 points in the game before he was injured this season.
He scored 25 points in the game before he was injured last season.
Bynum runs down the list of coincidences with anyone who will listen. Jackson would prefer Bynum get past his phobia about playing against Memphis.
Jackson said Bynum’s role has yet to be determined, although he might be better suited to start because he could warm up and then begin the game. He wouldn’t have to warm up, then sit and get stiff and then try to play.
Prior to the Ginobili injury, I thought that the Lakers would need a healthy and productive Bynum to make the Finals again, but now I’m not so sure. Barring an injury to Kobe Bryant or Pau Gasol, the Lakers look like they are destined for a second consecutive Finals appearance, so Bynum’s impending return is just frosting on the cake.
