Andrew Bynum Returns From Injury, Effective in 'Relief' Role

Filed under: Lakers, NBA Injuries

WASHINGTON -- Andrew Bynum did not set the world on fire in his return on Tuesday, which is OK. He didn't start and he didn't play a ton, but he looked good in limited minutes and he helped the Lakers. It was an encouraging start.



Bynum finished with seven points, four rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes. But more important was that he moved relatively well, got to the free-throw line four times and made an impact on defense.



It'll be a while before he comes close to matching the career-high 30 minutes a game he averaged last season -- Bynum estimates four weeks until he's back to normal -- but he's filling a much-needed role for the Lakers' front-court rotation.



"Short minutes, relief minutes," is what Lakers coach Phil Jackson said to expect from the center.



With his size and talent, even a rusty Bynum immediately shores up the Lakers' front-court rotation and provides a respite for Pau Gasol, who is averaging a career high 39:17 minutes per game.

 

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/15/andrew-bynum-returns-from-injury-effective-in-relief-role/