Season Review: Andrew Bynum

OVERVIEW: Center Andrew Bynum seemed to be on the verge on a breakthrough season (again) when he suffered a midseason knee injury (again) during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies (again). Bynum sat out 32 games after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee one season after injuring his left kneecap. He averaged 14.3 points and eight rebounds in 50 games, but struggled in the playoffs after his return from his injury. He averaged only 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in the postseason, getting into frequent foul trouble and looking a step slow in the first three rounds. He then gave the Lakers an inside presence in their Finals victory over the Orlando Magic that they lacked while losing without him in 2008 against the Boston Celtics.

QUOTEWORTHY: “(Coach Phil Jackson and GM Mitch Kupchak) basically told me they want me to do the same things I did last year (in the offseason). They play more games, find some runs, maybe at UCLA (this summer).”

STRENGTH: When he’s healthy, his development is in the right direction.

WEAKNESS: Development has been slowed by injuries.

GRADE: Incomplete because of his latest injury.

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2011-12 with a team option on 2012-13.

Next: Jordan Farmar.