Talking With: Andrew Bynum
When David Stern walked to the podium last summer to announce the 10th pick of the '05 draft, the Lakers' highest since what feels like the Eisenhower administration, few expected him to utter the name “Andrew Bynum,” a high school kid that nobody knew jack about. From fans to the media to analysts to Staples vendors, opinions were all over the place, but many felt the Lakers junked their shot at someone who might help immediately for a project that might not be ready for years, if ever. As it turns out, Mitch Kupchak may walk away from this one smelling like a rose.
Granted, injuries to Slava Medvedenko and Kwame Brown meant Bynum would be getting a few minutes even if he had trouble putting on his warm-ups. And while it goes without saying that Bynum can safely make plans during the All-Star Weekend, he’s also been able to step on the court without embarrassing himself at a much quicker rate than anybody predicted, coaches and supporters included. Even better, he’s actually been contributing, even finding himself in the game during crunch time. Bynum will be the first to admit, he’s got a long way to go. But he’s a confident, smart kid who seems to have great instincts and a feel for the game. Those assets are the foundation for a potentially nice future in the NBA. Only time will tell.
I talked with Bynum after Sunday’s win against Charlotte about his season so far. These were his thoughts.
Enjoy.
Andrew Kamenetzky: Did you imagine yourself being a part of the rotation this early on?
Andrew Bynum: Um, yeah, I did. Going through training camp, I was doing okay until I got hurt… And then I had a couple games where I came out and gave them a bunch of energy and things like that, and I looked alright out there. And then a couple games, I was out there and haven’t done anything. I don’t have much to say about that. I don’t know why that is. But I try to go out there and try to do the same things. I guess some nights I have it, and some nights I don’t. I’m just trying to get more consistent.
AK: What do you see as your role on the team and what you specifically bring?
AB: Come off the bench and bring something to the game. Anything. Whatever it is. Whether I get 8 boards, or get some blocks or whatever. Just try to bring something to the game to help the team.
AK: In particular, what are you looking to improve on?
AB: I guess I just have to get more confidence. Stop rushing through everything and take my time.
AK: What are you rushing?
AB: Pretty much every facet of the game. Holding onto the ball. Just trying to do everything way too fast and it kind of just backfires. Like today (Sunday vs. Charlotte) I had a jump hook. I made the strong move, but then I rushed the shot and airballed that. And then on the baseline shot in the corner, I rushed that. I should have just taken my time and shot it.
AK: Do you think you’re just anxious?
AB: Yeah, I think that’s what it is. Or nervous.
AK: You don’t seem intimidated, though.
AB: I’m not intimidated on defense. Defense is just a heart thing. How hard you play. That’s all defense really is. The will to stop your opponent.
AK: What was it like for you in San Antonio going up against Tim Duncan?
AB: That was pretty cool actually. He’s my favorite player and everything. But I went out there and played hard and had a good game. It was just one of those nights.
AK: The first possession you were directly up against him, you held your own. Were you aware of it at the time? “I’m going against Tim Duncan?”
AB: No. I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s probably why (the good game).
AK: You’ve grown how much since training camp began?
AB: ¾ of an inch, I think. I’m not sure.
AK: Do you have any idea how tall you could cap out at?
AB: I don’t know. Probably 7’1” or 7’2”?
AK: Do you have a height you’re hopeful to reach?
AB: 7’2” would be good. The taller the better. As long as I can still be agile and things like that.
AK: Is there height that you’d be like, “Okay… That’s a little too tall?”
AB: No, no. I won’t grow, like, five more inches. That would be crazy.
AK: What has been like working with a legend like Kareem?
AB: It’s just been great. Kareem is a great guy and he’s a great coach. He’s been teaching me how to score on the block and things like that. And that everything is about my timing.
AK: Being a rookie, what’s the hazing like on this team?
AB: There’s not much. We just have the vets a drink or something like that. But it’s nothing crazy, like singing or anything like that.
AK: Are they pretty equal opportunity when it comes to you, Von (Wafer) and Devin (Green)? Or do they pick on one of you more than the others?
AB: It’s just “the rooks.” The three of us. The rooks do that, do this.
AK: Is there anyone on the team who seems to just have a ridiculous amount of luggage?
AB: (laughs) No, no it’s pretty much even. We just unload it and pack it from the plane onto the bus.
AK: So you’re not getting tired of it yet?
AB: No. You can’t really look at it like that, because everybody who’s sitting in here went through the same thing.
AK: Was coming from New Jersey to L.A a culture shock?
AB: It wasn’t a culture shock, but the food’s a lot better on the east coast. I lived there 17 years, so I got to get used to it. But I like the weather out here a lot better. It’s still hot outside. 75 degrees in December, so you can never hate that.
AK: Did you know Shaq was in the audience tonight (against Charlotte)?
AB: Yeah. I saw him.
AK: Was it at all nerve wracking or did it make you want to bring up your game a bit?
AB: It wasn’t nerve wracking, but it did make me feel like I gotta step it up.
AK: Are you looking forward to possibly matching up against him in Miami? AB: That would be cool. He’s a beast right now.
AK
(photo by Lori Shepler/LAT)
Great Interview!!!! Keep it up AK!!!
I am looking forward for Bynum Whupping Shaqs rear on Christmas day.
Posted by: Laker Fan | December 06, 2005 at 11:31 AM
Hey Andrew Kamenetzky do you know when Kwame Brown is coming back from injury...The last time i heard he was out to see a hand specialist!!! Holla at me with some 411.
Great work with your interview with next most dominant center in the league after the big poppa aka (shaq)
Posted by: young_hov | December 06, 2005 at 12:24 PM
Hey Andrew Kamenetzky do you know when Kwame Brown is coming back from injury...The last time i heard he was out to see a hand specialist!!! Holla at me with some 411.
Great work with your interview with next most dominant center in the league after the big poppa aka (shaq).. Oh and i can't wait for the battle between Kobe and Wade!! Who will guard Odom on Christmans day against Heat...If it is Posey Odom should at least get 25 points..cause he is some cut on defense.
Posted by: young_hov | December 06, 2005 at 12:26 PM
GREAT INTERVIEW CHOICE AK! When you see someone with great potential show some humility, you want to support them. You would love for them to do well. He sounds like an honest, open kid. We will NEVER get another look into a high schooler's mind that just made the NBA! I'm sooooo happy it was the Lakers that picked him and that he has the humble demeanor. (Go Bynum's mom!) Thanks Ricky Fox for the jersey. Bynum has been contributing in his minutes...or he just doesn't hurt us...could you imagine being 18 going up against your hero MVP Duncan? Crazy. He's doing the right things for now. Playing defense...that's all you can ask. You can see how Kareem is getting into his head and bringing back old school basketball. I can talk all day about how I love this kid. But, to finish it off, after the Thanksgiving day game, I was sitting 5 rows up behind the basket on the Lakers side. The rest of the team just rolls to the locker room. I said 'what's up' to Andrew and cruised over and gave me some love....that's nice. He went out of his way. If your going to make some fans, why not one at a time? I'm now loyal Bynum fan. He's a nice foundation to rebuild the LakeShow with...I'm sure Magic would agree.
Posted by: Maleke | December 06, 2005 at 12:37 PM
That was a really good interview. I like how humble the kid is and what he said about rushing his shot is true. I think he'll be a really good player in this league. I do hope Kwame comes back soon, but he needs to learn to relax, and stop thinking so much on the court.
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | December 06, 2005 at 12:52 PM
YEAAAAAAHHH-BOYEEEE!!
It's hard not to hope the best for Bynum. He appears to possess a rare combination of humility, confidence, friendliness, and heart.
Andrew, if you read this (please read this!) just know that (real) Lakers fans know their basketball. After watching so many of the greats come through this franchise, we've developed an intuitive ability to identify that greatness in a player. It can be in the way they walk, their thoughfulness, a look in their eye, their creative brillance in the moment on the court... a lot of things.
Everyone who's a (real) Laker's fan is excited by your joining this team. It's not a group delusion. We're acknowledging something in you that can make you a historic Laker, a champion.
Please acknowledge that in yourself and make it happen because it's up to you and you can do it, if you make that choice.
Also, trust in Kareem to show you the way. He knows what greatness is as much as any player in the history of the NBA. Respect that and learn from it.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | December 06, 2005 at 02:08 PM
That dude is the real deal, and he will be a beast, come playoff time? Is it me or is he playing better than Kwame Brown, right now? If we make the playoffs this year, all the deserters will come back, mark it on your calenders fellas.
Posted by: JagzGB | December 06, 2005 at 02:22 PM
Great Interview, thanks! What's up with the super-tiny font after the first few paragraphs though? Same thing happened on "Lamar's Roll" a few days ago - is your blog becoming non-mac friendly?
Posted by: Kevin | December 06, 2005 at 02:23 PM
Hey nice work!
That's fun to read.
Andrew, do you know if there are any players following this blog? It would be cool to see what they have to say about some of the comments posted here in future interviews. Keep up the good work guys!
Posted by: Peter | December 06, 2005 at 03:34 PM
I like the kid. Good interview.
Posted by: Salvador Ruiz | December 06, 2005 at 03:34 PM
Great interview,
I like everything that I have seen from Bynum thus far. To be honest, it would not hurt my feelings to see him get even more time. I think a Mihm/Bynum rotaion at center would be preferable. Let Cook and Kwame rotate at the PF position. Bynum does very well on the boards and is a very capable defender at this early point in his career, he has the ability to block shots as well. I think his future with the team is bright.
Also wanted to say that I was not sold on Sasha in the first few games of the season, I have changed my mind. I think he may end up being exactly the guy that we need him to be e.g. sit out on the perimeter and nail the wide open J.
Posted by: todd | December 06, 2005 at 03:43 PM
Kevin-
No, that's not your computer. There are some technical aspects of the website and HTML (I think that's what it's called...) format we still haven't mastered. It's not an issue with every post, just things we transfer from word to the site we use to create the blog (by the way, if anyone is really good at this stuff, send helpful tips to kambrothers@yahoo.com). We're working on it, and have figured out how to solve some of the issues (you should have seen the first few attempts- everything looked like a ransom note). Anyway, we're sports guys, not tech guys, so periodically there will be some hiccups. Hopefully, nothing more bothersome than a font change or odd line break, though.
Thanks.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | December 06, 2005 at 03:59 PM
is andrew bynum playing better than kwame brown right now??? dude bynum was playing better than kwame from the start of the season when he WASNT EVEN PLAYING! kwame may get a few rebounds and here and there, but he also picks up cheap fouls and takes poor shots. he brings more negatives than positives onto th ecourt, and i believe most of you will agree with me on that. he's just a horrible post player. you would think someone of his athletic ability would learn a few post moves. but i guess he'll just turn into another kmart, where hes a bigman just waiting for the alley-oop or putback dunks. there is no comparison when you put kwame and bynum together. the only thing kwame has over bynum is probably gametime experience and the satisfaction of having one of those career games. i remember kwame hit sac for 30 & 20 (19 to be exact) last year. but that was 1 game. kwame has been in the league for a good 3-4 years? and he STILL looks like a rookie out there. how much longer do i have to wait for kwame to develop? forget trying to learn the triangle. can the guy learn how to just play BALL?!?!?
Posted by: Lefty | December 06, 2005 at 05:19 PM
Great interview AK, and I love the blog. I agree with Jon K about Bynum. I'm a life-long laker fan and have seen a lot of greats come through the franchise; Bynum looks like he has everything he needs to become a great NBA center. Albeit a bit raw, you just can't deny this kid's instinct, size, and athleticism. He shows the good instict especially while rebounding - he at the very least will be an outstanding rebounder in this league. But combine his current assets with the good attitude he is showing, and the sky is the limit. I truly think we're seeing the start of something great here. Keep working hard, Andrew, and you'll do more than just match up with Shaq before he's gone.
Long live the Lakers!
Posted by: jrb | December 06, 2005 at 06:35 PM
nice job!!
I agree with everybody, bynum is good.. bringing something from the bench. Give him ten more games and phil jackson will increase his minutes on the court to get 6 ppg 5 Rpg average.
Kupcheck this guy should be fired by now, is he something of the buss family? because that guy doesn't know anything about basketball and doesn't seem to have that power in the lakers organization.. bring me some West Flow (that guy rocks)
Posted by: Euvis | December 06, 2005 at 06:44 PM
Hey AK, BK, you ought to put up a Game in Progress or Lakers / name goes here post so we can comment during or right after the game while we're stoked like tonight. Don't mind putting it on the end of Drew's blog but ir's appropriate 'cause tonight you could see the future. I think the refs are going to have to give Smush some props from now on with 7 steals and the balance was beautiful. Lamar has that kind of mismatch most games and starting Sasha was a very nice move. Hope they've got some legs left for Toronto.
Posted by: vman | December 06, 2005 at 07:37 PM
Has anybody seen the score of the Laker Bucks game..Laker outplayed them on both ends and Kobe took only 24 shots..wow lamar is developing so great and those laker fans who are not giving this young team a chance..mark my words this team will win 40 games or more this season...it will depend on one guy and oh it's not Kobe..it's Lamar!!1
Posted by: young_hov | December 06, 2005 at 08:05 PM
Great Interview, lets see more!
AWESOME game tonight against the Bucks. We dominated them on both ends, and the key to the game was Lamar Odom. Smush gave us a great first half too. 7 STEALS BY SMUUUUUUUUSH! They're getting it together, starting to play more consistent. I've noticed in the past 5 games or so, their offense has been flowing alot better. We stood up and were very competetive against Spurs, SHOULD HAVE BEAT the TWolves, nipped utah and charlotte and now the bucks. Keep it up Lakers.
Posted by: Derek | December 06, 2005 at 08:45 PM
Could we get a similar interview from Kwame Brown?
Would definately help to hear his side!
Mike
Posted by: michael kaczmarek | December 06, 2005 at 10:35 PM
I can say that Im a die hard Laker fan.But when the Lakers drafted the kid, I thought it was another cupcake mistake. When he got hurt in training camp I knew he was going to be a bust. But after watching him play I can say that Im a true fan of the kid. I know when Kareem said he has potential I hoped he was right,know I know he was.
Posted by: Laker Junkie | December 06, 2005 at 11:37 PM
When I heard that the Lakers had drafted a high school kid that wasn't on anyone's radar I thought man just another bonehead personnel move. But after seeing him play I think it was a blessing that Kwame went down because this kid has real potential. The more he plays the better he'll get and what I love about him is that when he is in the game the opposing guards show a real reluctance to drive down the middle. I just wish Mitch Kupchak hadn't traded for Kwame Brown because we would still have Caron Butler.
Posted by: Ruben Pena | December 07, 2005 at 01:46 AM
When will the decision to continue to play kwame come down to his ability to play the game of basketball? It seems to me that the reasoning behind keeping him in a rotation (to be a bit harsher but probably more accurate insert NBA) is due to the fact that at some moment in history a certain someone (namely his airness) saw talent which has led others on a seemingly never ending pipe dream leading to economic and expectation nightmare. Why not give others a chance? Has it not worked with Smush?
Posted by: the mayor | December 07, 2005 at 02:20 AM
Yes, "Kidrew"! He's a good player now. He'll be a great player if he masters the Sky Hook. Good interview, too. Hopefully, you talk to him more times throughout the year. He's gonna be the steal of the draft.
When is the Tex Winter interview? With all the talk of the triangle being 'old' these days. I would love to know what Tex thinks about his system and it's future in the NBA.
Posted by: 1979 | December 07, 2005 at 05:41 AM
Bynum is doing a great job. i'd like to see more passes in to him though. i think he can really surprise some players with his shooting touch. Kwame has been a big let down. He's missing easy lay-ups and is looking too timid out there. He needs to start putting the ball back up with 2-handed dunks and not be afraid of getting hit. and i want to see Smush in the all-star dunk contest! When he has a good night, he's almost as exciting to watch as Kobe!
Posted by: Ben | December 07, 2005 at 08:12 AM
i've been impressed by bynum's i.q. and abilities on defense from the get go. he's a smart shot blocker. he doesn't go up until he sees the basketball in the air instead of biting on every pump fake. he really uses his size at both ends quite well. once this kid gets more experience, more bulk and more confidence. watch out!
Posted by: eric | December 07, 2005 at 09:01 AM
I missed any stories on Smush Parker about his history. Where did this kid come from? I caught a line from someone somewhere that said he was just a vet implying hadn't stood out before. Wow, did he morp into something special. Now that Sasha (sp?)has shown he is becoming a future star (and started last game)I wonder if Parker's going to be as effective coming off the bench. I hope he does as he seem an impact player. I guess it would be fine coming off the bench as long as he can contribute the same way. I have no doubts about Sasha either. We seem in pretty good shape at guard, center too on the come, and Walton and Cook has impressed. All in all, we have a coming team that will win and also entertain, so the dark days are over replaced by solid hope that the Lakers will be special again.
Posted by: CALaker | December 07, 2005 at 10:06 AM
Awesome interview with the young man, im sure the guy at the LA Times will give you your full props for that one, nice work Adam. It was exactly a year ago today that I got to see young mr. bynum at the High School shootout here in St. Louis and knew that he was destined for the next level, but didnt know that he would be thrust onto the court so early and often. Great work again by the Kam bros. keep it up.
Posted by: StL Laker Fan | December 07, 2005 at 10:28 AM
AK, That was a good interview with an 18 year old star. Normally, it gets into their head when they get to be in the NBA, not with Andrew. I'm not a coach nor a player but just a Laker fan wishing to contribute, here are my observations and suggestions to A.B.: 1. Be conscious of the 3 seconds in offense and guarding your opponents in defense(defensive 3 seconds) by studying the individual idiosyncracies of referees, that alone is material in reducing turnovers; 2. Learn how to fake or put a timing in your dunk shots, at least get a foul by outwitting your tall guards when you're shooting in the shaded area; 3. Don't let small guards or forwards get into easy lay ups when you're playing center, once you get that reputation that big center in the middle like the legendary "Elvin Hayes", nobody will ever attempt to run on A.B. when you are at the post; 4. Learn or review the past tapes of Rodman and Moises Malone, how they positioned themselves under the basket and the little tricks on how to get grab the ball without fouls as well?; 5. Lastly, during your infancy in NBA try to maintain a 75% free-throw shooting just like your tutor, Kareem. Avoid the percentages of Shaq or Duncan. If you can use these suggestions as part of your basketball habits, that will be a remarkable achievement for this season.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 07, 2005 at 11:32 AM
We are most greatful that the Laker's took Kwame off of our hands. Kwame has no basketball instincts - not a clue. I've been following him since he got traded and he is pulling the same crap in LA that he did here. Butler is a nice player, but the guy does not seem to want to play defense.
Dan from Maryland
Posted by: Dan Miller | December 07, 2005 at 01:48 PM
shaq is done!!! you da'man now kid... Kick some Miami Ass!!!
Posted by: jaime gomez | December 07, 2005 at 05:33 PM
Man If Kobe can continue to play team ball and let Smush , Lamar and Kwame(knock on wood) get theres they will be tought to beat. Kobe can score whenever the hell he wanted what we need now is get the confidence up for the roll players. Lakers 6-0 on the road trip
Ottawa, Canada's Best Laker fan RBL
Posted by: Richard Leron | December 07, 2005 at 07:12 PM
a couple of points to make number1 how come lakers didnt go after tyson chandler in the off season think about it chris-chandler-lamar-kobe-smush with butler of the bench ill match that line up against anybodys number 2 even though I like lamar handling the ball I want to see him on the block more he is are best post player an are best passer an he is going to have the advantage 9-10 time with smaller small forwards anyways number 3 kwame brown trust me is going to be all right he is trying to hard thats all once he come down take his time stop rushing you will see what michael jordan was talking about I said the same thing about sasha last year when you had that dumm as frank playing tierre brown instead of sasha just by watching him in the games last year he was going to be good an going to get better number 4 bynum he needs alot of work he is 285 but he isnt soild my advice to him ih to hit the weight hard turn that 285 into 290-300 soild an work on he feet work 2 hours a day look at shaqs feet work for a big man just sick ive seen bynum in the post a couple of times he's not ready yet but time will help on the floor that is number 5 last one if I was the g.m for the lakers ill trade devean george for darko milicic from the piston he dont get any run because there to deep at the forward stop but he's really good trust me
thanks yall gone
Posted by: samieza | December 09, 2005 at 12:21 AM
http://andrew-bynum.com
Posted by: mike armenta | January 17, 2006 at 01:23 AM
Talk about the truth. Bynum is deffinitely a humble kid. I went to school with the 7-footer at St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen, NJ. He didnt even go all-county back home, but that hasn't stopped him, he's doin the damn thing on the Lakes now. Anybody catch his dunk on Shaq...? I went nuts. It's always a happy moment when your boy bangs on the greatest center in the game... but i'll say one thing, he's got a hell of a pair for throwin an elbow on shaq, he had to see it coming...
Posted by: Joe | January 17, 2006 at 11:14 AM
he smashed on shaq dunking on tha fat superwomen
Posted by: john | July 17, 2006 at 09:59 AM
How dare he say the food out here is'nt good where does he live noGoodFood Valley,California
Posted by: LaToya | October 19, 2006 at 05:58 PM
what high school basketball team do you think is better, christian brothers academy or st. joseph? since you did play at saint joseph.
Posted by: bilson waters | November 04, 2006 at 02:03 PM
HI MR.BRYNUM I WAS JUST STOPPING BY TO SHOW U AND YOUR PAGE SOME LOVE.WELL MY NAME IS JAMELDA RAY AND I LIVE IN CORONA CALIFORNIA IF U WANT TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ME HERE'S MY ADDRESS 955 SAMAR CT APT # 11 CORONA CALIFORNIA ZIP 92880 SO WE CAN GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER WELL ONLY IF U WANT TO WELL I WILL TALK TO U LATER.
Posted by: JAMELDA RAY | November 08, 2006 at 07:16 PM
-B-
I Work with your dad - in NC - hope U R
half the man he is - most respected and admired.
He loves u very much.
Take care!
Many prayers up for U.
Lin
Posted by: Linda | November 19, 2006 at 06:48 PM