Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum claimed that former teammate Kobe Bryant hampered his development into one of the league's best big men because of his ball-dominant ways despite sharing some success together with the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I thought it really helped me a lot obviously at first, because he draws so much attention it's hard for guys to double team and key on you, so it helped me tremendously," Bynum told a group of L.A. reporters before the Lakers played the Sixers Sunday.

"Later, I felt I was able to get the ball more and do more things with the ball, so I could definitely see how it could stunt growth," Bynum added.

Bynum played seven seasons alongside Bryant, winning two championships and playing in the All-Stars last season before he was traded to the 76ers in a move that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers.

In 392 games, Bynum averaged 11.7 points and 7.8 rebounds. He had his best season last year, averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds.

After leading the Lakers to a 111-98 win over the Sixers, Bryant said he was not offended by Bynum's comments, even adding that he agreed with them.

"For sure, because when you're playing with me you obviously have to sacrifice something," Bryant said. "Same thing with me and Shaquille O'Neal. You kind of off-set each other to a certain extent."

"So, I mean, that's true. When he gets back and he's healthy, he'll come out here and he'll be the focal point of their attack and he'll be getting the ball more and you'll see big games from him more consistently," he added.

Bryant even called Bynum a "really a special player at both ends of the floor".

Bynum has yet to log a minute in a Sixers uniform because of knee problems that will sideline him indefinitely.

During the interview, Bynum also advised Howard that he should get used to the balancing act of playing alongside Bryant.

"I think Dwight is a great player, but he's going to have to get accustomed to playing with Kobe and not touching the ball every single play," Bynum said.

 

Marc Jackson, John Celestand and Marshall Harris discuss the repercussions of Andrew Bynum's comments when he said the Lakers "traded number 1 for number 2" referring to Dwight Howard

Bynum says Lakers "Traded no. 1 for no. 2"

 

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