Los Angeles Lakers Exercise Andrew Bynum’s $16.1 Million Contract Option

The Los Angeles Lakers will keep Andrew Bynum around for another season after the NBA franchise on Tuesday chose to exercise his $16.1 million contract option. News of the accepted option does not come as a surprise after general manager Mitch Kupchak announced last month that the Lakers would pick up the option.

Bynum, a 24-year-old, seven year veteran of the NBA was named to his first All-Star appearance this season after averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Bynum was also named to the All-NBA second team.

In order to keep their star player on the court the Lakers had to pick up Andrew’s contact by June 30 to avoid a free agent scenario.

Bynum made some impressive pushes for the Lakers this season including one game in which he grabbed 30 rebounds to defeat the San Antonio Spurs. Bynum in the teams playoff opener also managed a triple-double against the Denver Nuggets which included 10 blocks.

Talking about the decision to grab Bynum’s option Lakers vice president of player personnel Jim buss told the “Mason & Ireland Show”:

“I think it’s pretty obvious how I feel about Andrew Bynum. He’s an incredible All-Star center, and you can build the future around him.”

At this time the Los Angeles Lakers and Andrew Bynum are not believed to have engaged in any type of “long term” contract talks but they anticipate such negotiations for the off-season.

Do you think the Los Angeles Lakers are wise to build the future of the franchise around Andrew Bynum?