Kobe Bryant Redux?: Andrew Bynum Thrives in LA

Six years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell to the Charlotte Hornets for Glen Rice, J.R. Reid, and B.J. Armstrong.

A month ago, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to the Orlando Magic for Trevor Ariza.

Both trades had Los Angeles critics up in arms. But both worked out for the Lake Show.

Rice brought dead-eye marksmanship to an offense that needed a shooter. Ariza has brought defensive zeal to a team that needed a stopper.

It also bears noting that both trades were more about newly-acquired high school stars than the actual players involved: Kobe Bryant six years ago, Andrew Bynum today.

Before the Jones trade, Kobe Bryant was buried on the bench. Jones' departure meant more minutes for the youngster, who responded with improved numbers across the board.

In the same sense, Cook's departure has opened the door for Andrew Bynum, who is off to a promising start in his third NBA season.

On the night of the trade—and two days after starting center Kwame Brown had gone down with knee and ankle sprains—Andrew Bynum had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks in a 134-114 win over the Pacers. He also completely shut down Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal.

Andrew Bynum has been a double-double machine since then, with seven in his last 11 games. What's more, his inside presence (two blocks per game) has been a welcome addition on the defensive end.

Andrew Bynum has also benefited from Chris Mihm's slow recovery from ankle surgery. Only Ronny Turiaf is real threat to steal Andrew Bynum's minutes, as Phil Jackson has played Vladimir Radmanovic and Lamar Odom at power and small forward.

Of course, Kobe Bryant's development got a kick start when the Los Angeles Lakers signed Shaquille O'Neal—an All-Star player with NBA Finals experience. Andrew Bynum already has that sort of teammate in Kobe Bryant himself.

As it stands, Andrew Bynum looks set to emerge as one of the league's best centers behind Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire. He'll have plenty of help along the way from No. 24, who knows a thing or two about making the jump from high school phenom to NBA star.

If all goes well, the story might turn out to be a happily familiar one for the Los Angeles Lakers:

A talented youngster teaming up with an established superstar to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy to Los Angeles.

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