What's up with Bynum?

Lakers coach Phil Jackson said today after practice that he asked center Andrew Bynum for a progress report the other day. It's been almost a year since Bynum suffered a season-ending left kneecap injury during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. His scoring and rebounding averages are off slightly from what they were at this time last season.

"He said he wasn't totally happy with the way things were going," Jackson said. "He thought he had fallen into a little rut lately."

Bynum wasn't available to speak with reporters after practice, leaving the facility before media members were admitted to the gym. He also did not stick around to talk after Friday's victory over the Utah Jazz, when he had eight points and two rebounds in the Lakers' win.

So, it was left to Jackson to analyze the 7-footer's game.

"He's gone through a lot of games now," Jackson said. "I think some of it is power and going through the motions and getting the power (back in his knee). ... I think he has endurance. I think he has enough endurance, but I think he loses energy. There is a difference."

Bynum's averages this season: 12.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.9 blocks in 31 games so far.

His averages last season: 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.1 blocks in 35 games before he was injured.