Lakers' Andrew Bynum plays big against the Raptors
PRO BASKETBALL
He ties a season high with 18 points and grabs 10 rebounds in a 112-99 victory over Toronto.
Andrew Bynum is starting to become a force for the Lakers, playing big down low, using his size and strength as a weapon.
That was never more evident than Sunday night, when the Lakers' 7-foot, 285-pound center dominated the smaller Toronto Raptors big men.
Bynum produced his fourth double-double in five games, this time coming up with a season-high-tying 18 points and 10 rebounds.
"Just getting more comfortable," Bynum said.
Bynum refused to take all the credit.
He thanked his teammates for getting him the basketball in the right spots.
He talked about how the Raptors were without starting center Jermaine O'Neal, a 6-11, 260-pounder who sat out the game because of a sprained left ankle. That left Chris Bosh, a slight 6-10, 230-pound power forward to try to slow down Bynum. Other times, the Raptors tried 6-7, 225-pound Joey Graham.
"I think I got like five offensive rebounds," Bynum correctly said. "Without J.O. [O'Neal], they didn't really have anybody to rebound."
Bynum made eight of 13 shots from the field.
Bynum did his best work in the fourth quarter, when he scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds.
Bynum was on the court in the fourth with reserves Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar, Lamar Odom and Sasha Vujacic.
"I just wanted the matchup," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "I like the matchup with 'Drew (Bynum) having the opportunity to play Bosh and give that group an inside presence, where they really thought about going down low, getting him the ball inside."
Often, Pau Gasol is the big man on the court with the Lakers reserves. But this time, Bynum had the honors.
"I think it's about the same for me whether I'm with the first team or the second," Bynum said. "I still get the same amount of touches with both groups. It doesn't really matter."
Bynum caught a lob pass from Vujacic that he converted into a dunk in the fourth.
Bynum caught a lob pass from Farmar that he turned into a dunk over Graham. Bynum was fouled on the play and converted the free throw.
Bynum finished his night with another dunk off an assist from Vujacic.
"My teammates got me the ball, finally got me the ball down low," Bynum said.
Turner is a Times staff writer
broderick.turner@latimes.com
