Lakers: 50 Greatest Players in Franchise History

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29. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum is an unquestionably divisive figure in terms of both the Lakers and just as an NBA player in general. Between injuries that derailed much of his career and his numerous attitude problems that were prominent throughout his career, the big center is hard to gauge in terms of his greatness. However, it’s unfair to deny his contributions in Los Angeles when he was healthy and at his brief peak.

Drafted by the Lakers right out of high school, Bynum spent his first seven NBA seasons with the franchise. The big man didn’t see the floor much in his first season and played a larger but limited role in his second season. Though he was affected by injuries after that, he still served as a major frontcourt piece in the two Kobe-Pau led championship teams in Los Angeles.

Over his five-year peak with the team, Bynum was truly a force on both ends of the floor as he averaged 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game on 57.2 percent shooting in 264 games played from 2007-12. Though his time in Los Angeles and in the league ended unceremoniously, there’s no question that the big man deserves immense credit for what he was able to do in his time with the Lakers.

Next: No. 28 Rick Fox