The Lakers have officially picked up Andrew Bynum's $16.1-million option.
It will be the last year remaining on the contract of the 24-year-old
center, who became an All-Star this season for the first time.
The move was merely a formality. Bynum replaced four-time All-Star Pau Gasol as the Lakers' second-best player this season.
Bynum was second-team All-NBA at center while Gasol was third-team All-NBA at forward.
The Lakers had until June 30 to exercise their option on Bynum.
Bynum had some ill-conceived moments this season, including a
well-documented three-point attempt in the third quarter of a close game
at Golden State, but he realized much of the on-court potential that loomed above him much of his career.
He averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds this season.
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By Mike Bresnahan
