Even when negative comments were directed his way, Lakers center Andrew Bynum often retweeted those messages.

It motivated him, reminding the 24-year-old that he faces concerns about his injuries, criticism over his maturity and doubts about his potential. But perhaps the feedback became overwhelming because Bynum's Twitter account was deleted Monday. Calls to Bynum's agent, David Lee, weren't returned, but the move coincides with Bynum's becoming the subject of trade talk once again. This time, it involves proposals that could land the Lakers either Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard or New Orleans guard Chris Paul.

This isn't the first time Bynum's name has been in the rumor mill. But the Lakers' had long resisted trade  offers, backed by Jim Buss' insistence that Bynum's inside presence, size and potential make him a worthy investment even through prolonged injuries. But Bynum and the Lakers start the 2011-12 NBA season at a crossroads. Though Bynum could be primed for his best season because of his full health and agility-driven offseason training, it remains unclear if he'll get the larger role in the offense he covets. Though the Lakers value his size, they are also looking to bolster their roster following their embarrassing 2011 playoff performance.

And with Bynum's Twitter account, we won't have any insight on what he thinks. That is, of course, until he visits the media during the training camp and downplays it all. 

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--Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers center Andrew Bynum reflects on the season as he talks to reporters at the team's practice facility in El Segundo. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / May 10, 2011