The line about Bynum comming off the bench seems to come from the author but he sort of attributes it to PJ. Bynum had his best games as a starter, not sure how he will react/adjust to comming off the bench. IMO Bynum is better suited as a starter being the 3rd option behind Kobe and Odom. Gasol would be perfect as the focal point of the offense with the second unit, especially when Kobe is on the bench. Then again as starting lineup of Fisher/Kobe/Odom/Pau/Bynum would be the best in the league and a great combo of size and speed, the key being Odom's combo of size/speed/skill.
http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_8674292Lakers' rehabs are center of attention
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 03/24/2008 03:33:50 AM PDT
Pau Gasol might be ready to practice later this week.
Chris Mihm hopes to join him.
Andrew Bynum's return might take another two to three weeks, but the Lakers could have two of their three 7-foot centers sound enough to practice by the end of the week. And that's a significant improvement over recent days and nights.
Gasol has been sidelined since spraining his right ankle March 14.
He sat out Sunday's home game against the Golden State Warriors and probably won't make the trip for the rematch tonight in Oakland.
Mihm last played Dec. 23, but hopes he's cleared his final hurdle.
He had a screw from an earlier surgery removed last month and has been moving without the debilitating pain that forced him to the sidelines.
Bynum continues his rehabilitation work, but there's no firm date for his return to the practice court. He injured his left kneecap Jan. 13.
It's possible he could return to the active roster before the playoffs start April 19.
Ronny Turiaf made his fifth consecutive start in place of Gasol on Sunday. Turiaf scored 10 or more points in three of his previous four starts. He also had six assists in victories Thursday over Utah and Friday over Seattle.
"Ronny has played really well for us in a supporting role," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "His activity is good. We've been fortunate. Ronny has been able to get through most of this pretty well."
Turiaf is likely to return to a reserve role once Gasol is fit to play, which Jackson said would be next week at the latest. "We're hoping he'll be back on the floor this week, Tuesday maybe or Thursday, hopefully," Jackson said. "I'm not going to say one game or the other right now. It's just a matter of ... how much he can endure."
Gasol probably will remain the starting center when Bynum is ready to play again, although Jackson said he plans to play them together at times.
More on Mihm
Mihm admitted he returned to the court faster than he would have preferred during the offseason. He underwent two ankle surgeries that sidelined him for all of last season and pushed too hard because he was a free agent and needed a place to play. He played in pain until Dec. 23, when he finally took a seat. Now, after having a surgical screw removed, he's hopeful he can play pain-free. "There's been so many steps along the way where I've been optimistic," Mihm said. "Hopefully, this is the last hurdle and I'll just push myself to get back in shape and get some explosion back in my legs and be able to help this team out whatever way I can here at the end of the season and in the playoffs."
Ariza update
Trevor Ariza has been working out on an elliptical exercise machine, but said he hasn't tried to run yet on the Lakers' new $75,000 treadmill, which simulates low gravity conditions. Ariza has been out since breaking his right foot Jan. 17.
