Lakers ink C Bynum to extension

Oct 31, 2008 - 12:30 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Lakers have secured their future in the middle by signing center Andrew Bynum to a four-year contract.

Terms of the deal were not released, but the Los Angeles Times reported it was worth $58 million on Thursday.

The newspaper reported the first three years of the deal are worth nearly $42 million, with a team option for a fourth year at $16 million. The contract would keep Bynum, who could have been a restricted free agent next summer, in Los Angeles through the 2012-13 season.

"We're extremely happy to have signed Andrew to this extension, which will secure his immediate future with the franchise," general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "Andrew has shown a vast array of skills for a player his size and if he continues to stay dedicated and work hard to improve, he has an excellent chance to develop into one of the top players in the NBA."

An emerging player who will earn $2.8 million this season, Bynum averaged 13.1 points and 10.2 rebounds in 35 games last season. He was sidelined from mid-January through the remainder of the season after a bone bruise and dislocation of the left kneecap.

The 7-foot Bynum, who turned 21 years old Monday, is a big man with soft hands around the basket and one of the main reasons why the Lakers are among the favorites to return to the NBA Finals and win the championship. Along with Pau Gasol, Bynum helps form one of the best frontcourts in basketball.

"This has been a fantastic week for me so far: turning 21, winning our first two games of the season and now getting this new contract signed," Bynum said. "This gives me and my family financial security, and more importantly, cements my future with the Lakers, which in my opinion is the best organization in all of professional sports. I couldn't be happier."