P-Jax Moderates Goals For Big Man

Phil Jackson hasn't wasted much time in looking to lower the settings of the hype machine for returning center Andrew Bynum.

As reported by Elliott Teaford of the LA Daily News:

When asked about Bynum's goal of averaging 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds this season, something only four players in the NBA accomplished last season, Jackson perked up at long last.

"Not possible," Jackson said. "It's not possible. There's just not enough offense for everyone to do that kind of stuff."

Jackson's only quibble was with Bynum's desired scoring average. Jackson said he believes Bynum can average 10or more rebounds.

"That's realistic, 10rebounds, three blocks, some changed shots ... maybe a charge a game - those are the things we want to see happen with his defense," Jackson said.

Given the volume with which certain other Lakers shoot, Jackson is probably right about the points.  It also can't hurt to moderate expectations for the young big man to some extent.

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It's also worth remembering that the benchmarks Jackson suggested would represent no small contribution to the Lakers' success.  Bynum doesn't have to be putting up Amare Stoudemire-type scoring figures in order to be a major impact player. 

Bynum is already worlds better defensively than some of his youthful frontcourt colleagues, and his rebounding and presence in the middle could make life much easier both for the perimeter defenders but for the oft-maligned Pau Gasol as well.  As the secondary defender on the interior rather than the main guy, Gasol may end up looking much better than he has in the past at that end of the floor, and a healthy Bynum should make this Laker defense better across the board.