Rebounds Elude Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum, the L.A. Lakers center, is seven feet tall. He weighs 285 pounds ( almost 130 kilograms ). His main job with the Lakers is to provide a defensive presence in the interior. Andrew Bynum’s task is to grab rebounds, block shots and convince people not to drive to the basket.

In a game with the Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum scored eighteen points in almost thirty minutes. He was good from the field and good from the foul line. His four assists countered the five turn-overs that he made. His offense certainly contributed to a 114 - 102 Lakers win:

Box Score: Lakers / 76ers

What is noticeable though is the rebound statistic. In almost thirty minutes of court time, Andrew Bynum grabbed three rebounds. - Three! - How is that possible? He is one of the biggest people on the basketball court. For example, Andrew Bynum towers over the Lakers guard, Derek Fisher. As a guard, Derek Fisher plays away from the basket and, even then, he grabbed five rebounds.

How does someone who is seven feet tall, with a wide reach, manage only three rebounds in thirty minutes? Perhaps this is an example of a basketball phenomenon that makes Coach Phil Jackson mediate and try to go to his ‘quiet place’.

Catherine Forsythe