To recap, Los Angeles traded a younger All-Star center for an older All-Star center. While Dwight Howard has been better than Andrew Bynum, Bynum could easily be better in a few years, depending on how both players grow. The Magic likely could have gotten Bynum, but they elected to be terrible (otherwise known as "the Thunder model").
Observers may be conflating the light Orlando haul with the Lakers fleecing the Magic. The sad truth is that Orlando is self-fleecing, deciding to embark on a total rebuild rather than build around an All-Star. The strategy could pay off in the end, but it is not a reflection of how Los Angeles can get something for nothing.
Dwight was the right play for L.A., as the Lakers must win now. But let us not pretend that they traded Kwame Brown to accomplish this. Losing Bynum is a risk, especially with Howard coming off back surgery. Did you see Howard's introductory press conference? Between imitations of Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles residents, he refused to give a timetable on his return from injury.
No timetable? How many other teams are willing to incur this level of risk? Andrew Bynum has had his past injuries, but we at least know that he's expected to suit up at the beginning of next season. We're close to 2012 NBA training camp and Howard has yet to start running.
This is not to criticize L.A.'s trade, but to merely point out that they're giving up a lot and taking on doubt. They aren't being bullies so much as they're being bold. That qu...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
