Jan 20, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum (17) and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) shake hands after the game at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Los Angeles 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum is what he is. You can remove the “potential” tag from an all-star player that’s been in the league for 7 years.

The only things Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard have in common, are that they are all star big men that would have greatly benefited from college. They were drafted out of high school, which reflects in their immaturity and character.

Dwight Howard put the Orlando Magic on the map. They have been an elite team as of late, and “Superman: carried them to the finals. Howard is a legitimate superstar. He is dominant in the post, superior on the glass (ead the league again), and his defensive presence is second to none. Hence three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

March 29, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) guards Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum (17) in the first quarter at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Bynum is outspoken with a lackadaisical attitude, if you can call it that. All along, I’ve been calling his bluff. Fans in the City of Angels have blindly supported the misguided decisions from the front office. Passing up on an older Jason Kidd was smart. Choosing to hold onto Bynum instead of acquiring Carmelo Anthony was ridiculous. Could you imagine the damage Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony would do? Two of the best finishers on one team, now that would have been the Lake Show.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to ship the big man that acts like a kid, simply because of the Dwight Howard fiasco in Orlando. Ultimately, he ran two coaches out of town: Brian Hill, and now Stan Van Gundy. The reason I like Van Gundy, he doesn’t coddle younger players. He demands respect and like the great teams, you have to play all out in practice and in games while trusting the staff. Anyways, Magic general manager Otis Smith stuck by his coach, and walked away. Smith helped rebuild the Magic team that has contended for the championship the past few years. It’s rare, but good to see loyalty in the business of sports.

Not to diminish Bynum for what he can do, but people get carried away and are too quick to crown someone. Bynum has done nothing to be the best center in basketball. No, he’s not the most talented on offense either, that was wishful thinking by people in retaliation of Howard’s media persona. In reality, Bynum doesn’t have game impact. He can flash great statistics, and any good player has their moments, but no one fears driving in the lane against the Lakers even though they have two 7-footers. Opposing Howard on the other hand, he changes gameplans and detours you from going inside, and still gets blocks. He even worked with the great Hakeem Olajuwon. If you don’t remember Olajuwon, the Hall of Famer might be the best center of all time. Howard has more moves than I’ve ever seen  Bynum attempt. Perhaps playing for L.A. has something to do with  the hype!

May 29, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher (2) , guard Kobe Bryant (24) , forward Pau Gasol (16) , center Andrew Bynum (17) talk with head coach Phil Jackson during the second quarter in game six of the western conference finals in the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

There’s a reason Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant wanted to trade this guy for proven superstars. Those are two people you would be crazy to bet against. I loved Kobe’s post-game comments, after OKC eliminated them in a disappointing 5 games. The front office is trying to make Bynum the man, he’s been given a chance, attitude hurts the team, and remember Bryant shared the spotlight with Shaq because the big fella was dominant, worthy, and proved it night in and night out. Unfortunately, people tend to remember the end of someone’s career, when their body has wear and tear and age catches up with them. So I’ll take this moment to shout out the great Chargers’ running back LaDanian Tomlinson. But yes, the team deferred to the Black Mamba and don’t get me started with the Mike Brown hiring. That guy did nothing to walk in the shoes vacated by Phil Jackson, and the front office got rid of Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher for basically nothing. There’s a quote from one of my favorite movies Remember the Titans, “Attitude reflects leadership.”

Look, I like Bynum’s game. I think he can do so much more and be so much better. Last postseason, when the Lakers got swept by the eventual champion Mavericks, I was over him. He is what he is and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. His career stats are: 11.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and shoots 56%. His issue, he holds the ball too long down low, dribbled too much, and shoots 5-19 or 9-23 on high percentage attempts. This season he started for the Western Conference in the All Star Game, averaging 18.7 points, 11..8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Where was he in the playoffs? Bring up the rings he won and I’ll tell you to go back and watch the games. He sat on the bench, kind of like he did in multiple 4th quarters this year.

While we’re at it, Dwight Howard has career averages of: 18.4 points, 13 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 57% shooting. Give Bynum credit, he makes 69% from the free throw line in comparison to Howard’s 49%.

I’m not condoning their actions off the court, but it’s obvious that these two are on different level, and I predict two other centers to enter the top 3 in a couple years: Greg Monroe from Detroit, and DeMarcus Cousins out in Sacramento.

February 26, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Eastern Conference center Dwight Howard (12) of the Orlando Magic blocks Western Conference center Andrew Bynum of the Los Angeles Lakers (17) shot during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

May 13, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh (1) is pressured by Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) during the first half in game one of the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 95-86. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Heat fans have realized Chris Bosh was the x-factor all along. We will find out if their struggles and troubles are too much to overcome, despite having two of the best players. They certainly have trade assets to improve when/if eliminated.

Pacers have formed an upper-echelon team. They are physical and athletic with multiple scorers. With a series lead, their bigs need to continue to pound. Danny Granger needs to keep playing at a high level, or Indiana could sell high on him.

Celtics need Kevin Garnett to score 20 for any championship hopes they have. Rajon Rondo is the motor on both ends, with Paul Pierce still playing consistent and clutch. They need Ray Allen’s stroke in their last potential run together.

76ers don’t play pretty, but they gut out wins and you don’t know which guy will lead them in scoring. They play as a unit and Doug Collins is getting Andre Iguodala to play like an all star. They will shed salary from Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes.

Bulls were the feel-good story last year and had no luck with postseason injuries. Derrick Rose looks to get back to MVP form and this elite team will have decisions to make with player options and a big man they drafted could come from overseas.

Hawks could make another run with the current roster, but I feel they are long overdue for some changes. They could trade their biggest asset in Josh Smith for a good return and play more traditional, featuring Joe Johnson and Al Horford.

Magic have major issues for a playoff team. They need to figure out the status of GM Otis Smith, coach Stan Van Gundy, and all star Dwight Howard. If they trade Howard, expect Hedo Turkoglu to be included. Jameer Nelson is a free agent.

Knicks might be forced to make Carmelo Anthony coexist with Jeremy Lin and Amare Stoudemire. Coach Woodson is expected back. Team defense improved, but they need to figure out the offense. Key bench players will hit the open market.

May 18, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala (9) defends Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) during the third quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Arena. The Sixers defeated the Celtics 92-83. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Rounding Out the East

Bucks made the playoff push interesting. Hopefully they can keep the dynamic backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis in tact. The front-court played very well under the radar. They could sneak up like the Indiana with some more pieces.

Pistons are a team that can quickly turn things around, starting with Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe. The issue is leadership with several veterans that can score, but no go-to guy. Detroit could make some trades and add a high draft pick.

Raptors will pursue Steve Nash. Maybe he can elevate Andrea Bargnani. Jose Calderon is a quality point guard with his future in limbo. They like DeMar DeRozan and James Johnson. Combo guard Jerryd Bayless is likely to leave via free agency.

Nets will play in Brooklyn, with their priority being Deron Williams and acquiring Dwight Howard. Basically the whole team will come off the books in a planned effort to rebuild. Kris Humphries and Brooke Lopez could be shopped, or extended.

Cavaliers haven’t had success since the king left, but they have rookie of the year Kyrie Irving to look forward to. They will have a pair of lottery picks to surround their floor general, and will add free agents with some of their own hitting the market.

Wizards should have played better, but they have a future with John Wall, Andray Blatche, and Nene Hilario in the East. A lot of players are coming off the books and they will add a high draft pick and look to add free agents for a roster turnover.

Bobcats had a season to forget. They do have the best odds to land the #1 pick, and will definitely add a top talent to help Kemba Walker rebuild this team. D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson will have roles and they’ll shed bench salary.