Time Running Out for Andrew Bynum

Lakers’ center Andrew Bynum is the in the final season of his contract and if the Lakers don’t sign him to an extension by Oct. 31 he could become a restricted free agent next year.The big decision comes just a few days after Bynum’s 21st birthday, on Oct. 27. Bynum’s agent, David Lee, told the L.A. Times that thus far discussions with the team have been “few and not significant.” Leet continued on to tell the Times that he doesn’t understand why the Lakers are dragging their heels in signing Bynum a five-year extension, saying, “Andrew has taken everything the Lakers have thrown at him, including criticism. He doesn’t do anything to respond other than go on the court. He just goes on with his business.”

Lee and Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak are meeting in New York City today to work out a deal. Bynum stands to make $2.8 million this season and can sign a five-year extension worth up to approximately $85 million, although the figure won’t be officially determined until the NBA announces its salary cap for the 2009-10 season next summer. Currently the Lakers have no plans to offer Bynum a maximum deal as his health is still questionable and they want to gauge his on-court ability during the final five exhibition games. On Thursday Bynum offered an easygoing response on the ordeal to the Times: “I know that the Lakers take their sweet time doing everybody’s deals. I’m just going to be patient and keep waiting like I am.” See the full article at the L.A. Times website.
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