Injuries have been the main reason why, on many occasions, great players called to dominate the NBA could not do so due to their physical problems. One of the most representative cases is that of Andrew Bynum, that young intern of the Los Angeles Lakers who had to leave the activity suddenly because of his knees. He turned 33 yesterday, but he hasn’t played officially since he was 26.
The pivot was selected by the Los Angeles franchise in 10th place in the 2005 Draft and became the youngest player to debut in the American competition, with 17 years and 244 days. Quickly, it emerged as a versatile interior capable of impacting the development of a match in several ways. He went through the first years without collective success, but between 2008 and 2010 he reached three Finals under the leadership of Kobe Bryant. The last two ended with the consecration of those from California and he was one of the vital factors of the title.
In 2012 he was part of the All-Star Game by averaging 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. However, that was practically his farewell to the elite. He passed the Philadelphia 76ers, but was unable to play a single game because his knees began to deteriorate. Some announced that they suffered from arthritis. He returned in the 2013/14 season, but only played 24 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers and two with the Indiana Pacers.
After eight seasons, Bynum had to stop playing professionally due to injuries. Constant surgeries that did not improve the situation made him stay out of the franchise considerations and, although until 2018 he tried to return, he could never do so. He left with an average of 11.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, as well as the uncertainty of knowing what would have happened if he had been able to continue his promotion.
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