Lakers To Exercise Team Option On Andrew Bynum

The Los Angeles Lakers will exercise their team option on center Andrew Bynum, according to the Los Angeles Times. The move will give Bynum $16.1 million next season.

"He's the starting center on the West All-Star team. Why wouldn't we do everything we could to keep him here?" Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We're ecstatic to have him on the team."

In 41 games this season the 24-year-old has averaged career highs in points (18.1), and rebounds (12.9). He is also averaging 2.0 blocks and just 1.7 fouls per contest.