LA Times [imgl]http://www.latimes.com/media/thumbnails/photo/2005-07/18664062.jpg[/imgl]It makes sense for a guy who spends so much time watching television. The best way for Andrew Bynum to express the major shift in his life from high school senior to professional basketball player is in terms of the NBA's satellite and cable TV package. "I had League Pass before," the Lakers' first-round draft pick said. "Now I'm going to be in League Pass." That doesn't mean Bynum's life would make for a good reality show right now, unless your idea of compelling drama is watching a 17-year-old work out, walk to his room at the hotel next door to the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo and ride a shuttle bus to the movies or the mall. That was pretty much his routine this summer. He didn't hit the L.A. hot spots with his teammates because, as he said, "The places they go I still can't go yet." In other words, his summer sounded a lot like yours or mine might have at 17 ? play ball, watch TV. That doesn't mean Bynum's hours in front of the tube are wasted. He loves watching NBA TV, including the classic games. Though his friends might think the history of big men begins with Shaquille O'Neal and ends with Tim Duncan, Bynum can appreciate the old-school centers ? including his new mentor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. "I knew he was an unstoppable player and he leads the league in scoring, so he must be pretty damn good," Bynum said. It doesn't seem to matter that Abdul-Jabbar was born 40 years before Bynum, or that he played his final game when Bynum was 1. They've found a way to connect intellectually, Abdul-Jabbar says, and it has been easy for them to work together since the Lakers hired their former center as a special assistant coach last month. "His attitude is night and day from so many of the kids coming into the league," Abdul-Jabbar said. "He understands that he has work to do and has a great work ethic." At first, Bynum was afraid to bang bodies with a legend. But now he's surprised and appreciative of the 58-year-old Abdul-Jabbar's ability to work with him on the court. "Since he can still play a little bit, he'll actually show you exactly what he means and how to do it," Bynum said. A little bit? It's a measure of the affinity Abdul-Jabbar must have for his pupil that he lets a kid who is exactly 38,387 points behind him get away with such a remark ? and even adds to it. "Very little," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Emphasis on the little." He's teaching Bynum the art of the sky hook. Bynum's footwork is there, now it's a matter of putting more arc into the shot. "He's shooting a low line drive," Abdul-Jabbar said. "We'll get over that. He's a quick learner. And he's eager. He's going to get there." Source
It's great to hear that Bynum is progressing and is not afraid to work. I predict in Bynum's 2nd year he will be a big solid player.
