Agent says Lakers' Bynum wants maximum contract extension - Laker Nation

Agent says Lakers’ Bynum wants maximum contract extension

Two weeks ago we posted an article where Bynum said he just wants to be Laker, money isn’t any factor him, and he just wants to take care of his family. So what happened in those two weeks? Who knows. Sound off… *sigh*

Press Enterprise: While the Lakers were making an announcement about their intentions to keep restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf, Andrew Bynum’s agent announced his client’s intentions.

Bynum can get a contract extension this summer from the Lakers. When his agent was told that Bynum suggested he would be willing to take less than the maximum of five years, $80 million, David Lee said they would be seeking the maximum.

“He was talking as a 20-year-old,” Lee said in a telephone interview Monday. “He had not consulted with his representatives. I think the Lakers know how we feel about this.”

The Lakers could have a potential dilemma with Bynum.

He missed the final 46 regular-season games after he suffered a knee injury. He had arthroscopic surgery May 21 to remove some cartilage debris and smoothing some rough spots on the underside of the knee.

Bynum, a 7-foot, 285-pound center, has said he should be ready to start training by the second or third week of July.

“The ball is in their court,” Lee said. “They’ve got a decision to make. The question is whether they believe in him the way I believe in him. It’s their decision to make if they want him there for the future.”

Bynum averaged career highs in points (13.1) and rebounds (10.2) last season. But he has played in just 163 games in three seasons.

“I don’t think the Lakers have anything to worry about with Andrew’s physical condition,” Lee said. “The only thing is he wants to stay in the purple and gold. It’s in their court.”