If you listen to sports talk radio here in Los Angeles you knew that at one point the Lakers would struggle to make the playoffs, that the Lakers will now contend for the Pacific Division against the Suns, and that Andrew Bynum is the next Wilt Chamberlain. Really? Sports talk radio is giving political talk radio a run for its money in terms of absurdity. It’s laughable. My radio dial accidentally landed on some kind of Lakers talk show whereby I listened to the hosts and listeners compare Andrew Bynum to Shaquille O’Neal…favorably.
First of all, we can all agree that Andrew Bynum has potential, but there is no evidence that he should be compared to Shaq, Wilt, or Bill Russell (another name irresponsibly thrown around ). This radio show is pointless…or at least uninformed. That’s not to say there is no reason for optimism with regards to Bynum, but c’mon let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Bynum has proved that he is quickly becoming a force in this league, but to compare him to the legends of the game is…well…ignorant.
The hype machine that has elevated Bynum’s status is largely the result of one career performance against the Suns on Christmas Day, when he helped the Lakers move to within one game of the Pacific Division leading Suns. He had a career high in points, 28, as well as a solid effort on the glass, 12 boards. That’s a great game for Andrew Bynum, but that’s only a pretty good game for Shaq the rookie.
Let’s also remember that the Lakers were playing the woefully inconsistent Phoenix Suns. The Suns were supposed to be a title contender, but as shown by their Christmas day performance, they are not, at least not right now. They still can’t get stops. Nothing has changed from last year except they are missing the only defensive workhorse from that team, Kurt Thomas. His replacement, Brian Skinner, has shown signs of life on that end of the floor, but the real problem is Amare Stoudamire and his horrendous play on the defensive side of the ball. If you’re a center in the West and you’re playing the Suns, chances are you’re ready to have the breakout game of your life. Just two nights earlier, Chris Bosh had a career high of 42 points to go along with his 13 rebounds while playing against Amare. Erick Dampier had 8 points in the first seven minutes against Amare. Tim Duncan made his return from an injured back to score 36 against the Suns. Shaq had his best game in the past month against the Suns. Al Jefferson scorched the Suns and Amare for 32.
This is just in the last few weeks. So it’s okay that you’re excited about Bynum and the Lakers, but it’s not okay for you to compare him to the man who brought you 3 consecutive championships. That just makes you sound a little bitter…and a lot silly.
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