Not that it helps nurse any of those still open wounds suffered at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder but today both Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum were named to the All-NBA team. Bryant’s season of rebirth earned him first team honors for the seventh straight season and 10th time overall. Bynum’s breakout year garnered a second team selection.
Bryant joins Chris Paul of the Clippers to form an All-L.A. first team backcourt with Blake Griffin teaming with Bynum in the L.A. second team frontcourt takeover.
Kobe’s amazing bounce back season silenced many who thought Bryant was washed up after struggling through the 2010-11 campaign. All Kobe did was undergo an experimental treatment in Germany to get his knee right which in turn helped get his game right. Mamba led the league in scoring for most of the season losing out to Kevin Durant by narrowest of margins.
Bynum finally saw everything come together this season as he was able to remain healthy enough to take on an expanded role. Mike Brown made Bynum the centerpiece of the Laker offense which allowed the talented seven-footer to flourish posting career numbers across the board. Drew was also voted to his first all-star game marking an accomplishment he’s long held in high regard.
While these honors are well deserved it serves as a reminder of just how much work the Lakers have to accomplish this offseason. Pau Gasol’s profile has fallen to the point where he’s now trade bait. Meanwhile the last time the Lakers had an All-NBA guard/center combo they were in the middle of building another dynasty. This time around the two standout performers at those respective positions were only good enough to help the Lakers to another lackluster playoff showing.
Both Bynum and Bryant bear plenty of responsibility in how things ended this year for the Lake Show. Still it is undeniable that much more must be done to surround these two with more talent going forward.