Andrew Bynum's agent disappointed with contract talks

Andrew Bynum's agent will meet with the Lakers on Friday in hopes of agreeing to a maximum contract extension for his client, a process that so far has been "disappointing," according to his agent.

The Lakers have until Oct. 31 to sign Bynum to a five-year extension, though agent David Lee said his discussions with the Lakers were "few and not significant."

"I just don't get it," he said. "I do not understand certain things that happen. 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."

Bynum, who turns 21 on Oct. 27, has been slowly rounding into shape in his first month back on the court since the center suffered a season-ending knee injury last January.

Bynum, who will make $2.8 million this season in the final year of his contract, can sign a five-year extension worth up to about $88 million, a financial figure that won't be determined until the NBA's salary cap for the 2009-10 season is announced next summer.

The Lakers are hoping to sign Bynum for a number closer to $78 million. They also want to better gauge his health and on-court activity over the final five pre-season games.

Bynum has said his surgically repaired left knee feels fine. An extension has not been signed yet.

"It has to get done by the 31st," Lee said. "Otherwise there are, of course, consequences under the collective bargaining agreement."

If Bynum is not signed by the Lakers by the end of this month, he becomes a restricted free agent on July 1. He could then sign an offer sheet with another team for five years and up to $88 million, though the Lakers have the right to match that offer and retain him through the 2013-14 season.

He averaged 17.3 points and 12.2 rebounds in six games in January before being sidelined because of a bone bruise in his left knee and brief dislocation of the kneecap. For the season, he averaged 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots.

Bynum is still working on the timing that made him a force down low for the Lakers. He has yet to convert an alley-oop dunk in any of the three Lakers' exhibition games, and he was a step slow on defense, though he blocked two shots against Sacramento last Sunday.

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said Bynum was having a "so-so" time on the court since training camp began.

"He's still getting a feel for the game," Jackson said. "We have five games in seven days. We'll start developing some of that."

The lack of progress in contract negotiations has left Bynum's agent frustrated.

"I would say that's a fair assessment," Lee said. "Disappointed would be a better word than frustrated, but we shall see. Maybe it's premature. We will have a conversation tomorrow and then we'll see where it's going."

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com