The Lakers X-Factor

Keeping it in perspective, he was hardly one of the big stars of the Lakers' win over Orlando. But Andrew Bynum was a factor. And if he keeps that up....get ready for a traffic jam on Figuroa. Bynum's stats were respectible; 9 points, 9 rebounds and one block in 22 minutes. But the main thing he did was establish the tone early by pounding on Dwight Howard. The Magic are a team that needs a spark. Yeah, they get it from the three point shots and they will make some of those open looks in the games to come. But it starts with thunderous dunks by Howard. And when he's in a funk and frustrated... it spreads to the whole team. Bynum to compliment Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom means a wave of big men to wear down the Magic's big man. If Bynum keeps that up... even with the time lost to energy and the minimal contributions in the playoffs so far... he will have earned his money.