Growing Pains in Los Angeles

As the regular season draws closer to the end, it seems like more players are beginning to anticipate the start of the playoffs. People are starting to become more comfortable in their roles and some players are starting to branch out and trying to establish themselves more in the league. In recent news, Andrew Bynum has become more defiant in the LA system. He has made his first all star start and feels that his play warrants him acting the way he does. Earlier this month against the Golden State Warriors, Bynum elected to take a 3-point shot early in the shot clock. This is very unusual and uncharacteristic for a 7'1 center to take a shot like this especially this early but not only that was the reaction to shot. Coach Mike Brown immediately benched the all-star for the rest of the game. Bynum was noted that he did not understand why he got benched and he would take the shot again. Kobe Bryant said that the center was just spreading his wings and this will be a growing pain that he and Mike Brown would have to work out. But is this good time for they’re to be conflict as the playoffs draw nearer?

As the sports agent of the new superstar, how do you handle the situation and how you make sure the situation is put to rest? The sports agent has to not only be the player's best friend but also be the business mind of the player. This is not a good look for the player at all. It shows his current team that he is immature and cannot handle the new spotlight that he is now given in the team. Previously from making the all-star team, the team and the league did not see this side of the player. He is not showing that he is a team player. Even if he did not agree with the coach's methods of how he is being used such as allowing him to take 3-point shots, you cannot show up the coach because this will lead to different factions of the team. This will be detrimental to the team especially while playoffs are coming up so closely.

As a general manager, I have to reel this player in as quickly as possible. Andrew Bynum is a great talent and the future of the team when Kobe Bryant decides to retire. If you decide to keep this player, he must represent the team in the proper way. This action will deter any players for trying to come to the team. Also the players that do end up coming may take on the attitude of the star player that will lead to the total destruction of the team. As the general manager, I will have a conversation with the player and will fine him for the actions. This will show the player and the team that these actions will not be tolerated. The conversation will ensure that we not tolerate the actions but we will let him know that we do want him to be able to explore different opportunities on the court. We want him to develop his game but let him know what we expect for him right now.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-spears_lakers_mike_brown_andrew_bynum_benching_032812

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/18097448/lakers-coach-mike-brown-benches-andrew-bynum-after-three-point-shot