Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza are both hurt and it increasingly looks like it is gonna be a big factor when it comes to the playoffs. Ariza is a defensive ace and somebody that can really help the Lakers. It looks like if he does come back this year it will be in the middle of the playoffs. That’s a tough time for anybody to come back in and find a rhythm, much less a young player who’s only been on the team for half a year.
Bynum’s injury is much bigger of a deal. He’s an excellent player and is the reason (along with the Gasol trade) that many people think the Lakers are the clear-cut favorites to win it all. Initially the Lakers said he’d be back in March. Looks like that isn’t happening. The Audible’s own Carlos has had the injury that Bynum is said to have and Carlos says it’s really not that big of an injury. Rumors abound that Bynum’s injury is more serious than the Lakers are letting on. Fans can only hope that isn’t the case.
Regardless of these injuries the Lakers are in a good situation. They don’t have nearly as short of a window for a championship. The team is extremely young. They also have the psychological advantage that if they are to go into the playoffs with major injuries, that they can sort of go for broke and see what they can do with the knowledge that they’ll be back next year at full strength and ready to make a push for a 60+ win season and a run at the 2009 title.
Good days for Lakers fans. Very good days.
