Will Andrew Bynum Really Have a Big Impact on the 2010 NBA Finals?

With the 2010 NBA Finals shortly underway, many NBA analysts and fans have been debating the extent of influence Lakers' center Andrew Bynum will have on the Lakers-Celtics series. The questions and ongoing debate certainly warrant consideration, particularly due to the fact that Bynum missed the 2008 NBA Finals when the Boston Celtics convincingly beat the Los Angeles Lakers. Many wonder whether or not the burly, 7-foot presence of Andrew Bynum would have been the x-factor in the 2008 series in which the Lakers were clearly outmuscled and physically overwhelmed by Boston players like Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. With Bynum available for the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers have to hope that pressure can be taken off their other two 7-footers, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom.

How Could Andrew Bynum Affect the 2010 NBA Finals?

Having Andrew Bynum available would theoretically help the Lakers in big ways, namely physicality and stature. Although Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom have made apparent strides since their highly critiqued outing in 2008, adding Bynum to the mix allows the Lakers to utilize different line-ups and keep their big-men fresh. In addition, the Boston Celtics would have a difficult time matching up against sets where Phil Jackson might play Bynum, Gasol, and Odom at the same time.

The biggest problem, however, is that Andrew Bynum is not going into the 2010 NBA Finals completely healthy. The seemingly injury-prone center is currently struggling with a torn meniscus, but team doctors have advised Andrew Bynum to defer surgery plans to the offseason and play in the 2010 NBA Finals. Thus, Bynum's game will almost undoubtedly be hindered, but if he can muster up the mental strength and pain medication can keep discomfort at bay, he should be okay.

2010 NBA Finals Prediction - Andrew Bynum's Impact Will Be Noticeable

Even considering the fact Andrew Bynum is not healthy for the 2010 NBA Finals, I think that his impact will be noticeable. The Boston Celtics are not playing the same Lakers squad of 2008 by any means. Bynum's impact may be limited, but he has the potential to highly impact the manner in which the 2010 NBA Finals unfold. Or, Bynum could quietly play a large role through his mere presence down low.

I personally do not think that the Los Angeles Lakers necessarily need Bynum at full strength to win the 2010 NBA Finals and beat the Boston Celtics. If he can contribute two solid games somewhere in the arena of 12-15 points and 10 rebounds, the Lakers would be thrilled. With all that said, I predict Andrew Bynum will play a noticeable but limited role in helping the Lakers win the 2010 NBA Finals and repeat as NBA Champions.