Eyeing Andrew

Andrew Bynum's four-year, $58 million contract extension means more eyes will be on him as the final season of his rookie contract unfolds. Case in point: the media mob surrounding Bynum after it was disclosed that he strained his right rotator cuff at Monday's practice.He said he expects to practice Tuesday and to play Wednesday against the Clippers. In other words, it's no big deal.

Coach Phil Jackson didn't seem worried about the injury. He spoke at greater length about Bynum's defensive play during the Lakers' win Saturday over the Denver Nuggets. Bynum had only four points during a foul-plagued performance, but he had eight rebounds in 21 minutes.

"He was an influential factor early in the game against Carmelo," Jackson said, referring to the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony, who finished with 13 points on 5-for-15 shooting. "His presence was important. They couldn't punish us inside as much as they could in the past. Andrew's game, I'm sure he was disappointed he didn't get a basket in that ballgame, but it's going to happen once in a while to a young player until he finds the rhythm of the season."