Andrew Bynum through the years

A fresh-faced Andrew Bynum meets the Los Angeles media as the Lakers’ prized 17-year-old draft choice.   (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Andrew Bynum listens to Pete Newell at the Big Man Camp, where the Lakers sent their 17-year-old draft pick for an indoctrination into pro basketball.  (Isaac Brekken / For the Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum gets some advice from assistant coach Brian Shaw during the team’s summer league session.  (Lori Shepler / LAT)

Andrew Bynum watches from the bench during a summer pro league game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Long Beach Pyramid.  (Lori Shepler / LAT)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who became the youngest to play in an NBA game at 18 years and 6 days when he had two rebounds, two blocked shots and no points against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 2, 2005, tries to cut off the drive of San Antonio’s Nazr Mohammed.  (Doug Sehres / AP)

Three months into his rookie season, Andrew Bynum held his ground in a physical battle with veteran Shaquille O’Neal of the Miami Heat. The two would get into a shoving match and each draw a technical after Bynum celebrated a dunk over the former Lakers big man.   (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Andrew Bynum battles another talented young center in Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor during his second season in the NBA.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

While it took time for Andrew Bynum‘s offensive game to come together, he provided the Lakers with another interior defender to help with the likes of Spurs point guard Tony Parker.  (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Andrew Bynum mugs for the camera as he shares a laugh with teammate Kobe Bryant on the bench in the final minutes of a victory over the Clippers.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Andrew Bynum gathers himself during pregame ceremonies before playing against the Memphis Grizzlies last season.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

All seemed lost on Jan. 13 when Andrew Bynum landed awkwardly and injured his left knee. Teammates Kwame Brown, who would be traded to acquire Pau Gasol, and Ronny Turiaf helped him off the court. Bynum would miss the rest of the season, including the Lakers’ run the NBA Finals.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum drives between Clippers big men Tim Thomas and Brian Skinner in the second quarter Wednesday night.  (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum stretches out on the bench between teammates Sasha Vujacic, left, and DJ Mbenga with his injured right knee Monday night during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.   (Kathy Willens / Associated Press)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum sits on the bench during a game against the Detroit Pistons in January, 2010. Bynum was caught parking in a handicap spot.   (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum throws down a dunk against the Mavericks during Game 3 on Friday night in Dallas.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers center Andrew Bynum spins toward the basket as he powers his way to a shot against Dallas center Tyson Chandler during Game 3 on Friday night.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers forward Ron Artest escorts center Andrew Bynum of the court after he was ejected against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of their Western Conference playoff series.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Center Andrew Bynum reflects on the season as he talks to reporters at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)