Andrew Bynum might have a SoCal residence but he’s living in denial. Bynum continues to brush aside any notion that he should be held accountable for his many questionable actions. Of his recent ejection Bynum’s reaction was “stuff happens”.
Yes, stuff does indeed happen. It happens to everything on this planet that breathes. But when stuff keeps happening to the same individual then that person must look in the mirror to trace the problem.
At every turn, Bynum has been given the freedom to scapegoat any of his issues. He saw nothing wrong with taking an ill-advised three. Didn’t feel it was necessary to attend a meeting with Mitch Kupchak. Now he’s taking no responsibility for his second ejection in as many games against the Houston Rockets.
Bynum’s assertion that “stuff happens” isn’t far fetched. Plenty of players are made into targets by NBA officials. If Rasheed Wallace raised an eye brown he was given a tech. When Dennis Rodman chuckled whistles were blown. When Ron Artest gets chest to chest with anybody NBA eyes widen. It comes with the territory for some players. Bynum is currently on the verge of becoming one of these players.
However the real concern for Bynum’s lack of self-introspect relates to the future. As in his future as a pillar of the Los Angeles Lakers.
At some point the Lake Show will be in Bynum’s hands. I’m not here to say that a fiery personality can’t lead an NBA locker room. Kobe Bryant has proven that theory incorrect. However a person that cannot be responsible for their own actions will never be capable of being a leader.
One after the other, his teammates are lining up to preach the patient approach with Bynum. That’s fair but how realistic is it?
Are we looking at the Drew that has been and always will be? Or could there be some Ron Artest-Metta World Peace metamorphosis underway? Only time will tell. Let’s hope when the time is right Drew’s maturity is on par with his game.