The Los Angeles Daily News reports
So Tuesday, after he made it onto the court for just more than 15 minutes in the Game 1 loss to Houston, Bynum acknowledged what has been obvious to anyone able to compare the before and after: his knee isn’t 100 percent yet.
“It’s just not ready,” he said. “I’m probably about 85-90 percent.”
Bynum said his knee doesn’t hurt or swell up, but he doesn’t feel the same explosion and strength as he did before the injury.And the way to address that?
“I just think it’s a timing thing; I just need more time to get it stronger,” he said.
No surprises here, anyone who has seen Bynum play during the postseason can clearly see he’s not 100%.
The biggest problem, however, has been his focus, or lack thereof. Bynum needs to concentrate on being a defensive presence and rebounder, and garbage scorer offensively. The Lakers can win a title without him being a 100%, but I’m not sure they can a title without Bynum playing with both consistent focus + effort in the areas where he adds the most value to his team — which he simply is not doing right now.
Update
Bynum says his problems are mental and not physical
What’s going on with Lakers center Andrew Bynum?
“It’s mental,” Bynum said. “It’s not really physical.”
That was a telling statement from Bynum, because many figured his issues were physical.
“It’s mind-set,” Bynum said. “I don’t know if it’s just because of the injury or what.”
It’s about focus and effort …. Bynum isn’t playing with either on a consistent basis.
nbaroundtable.wordpress.com 