Andrew Bynum Faces Season-Ending Surgery

Even if the Lakers don't make the playoffs, they'll always be able to find the "bright side".

There weren't many tears shed when Andrew Bynum was traded. Now, the Sixers have found out what Lakers fans (and perhaps Lakers brass) knew all along: Andrew Bynum is damaged goods. The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed that it's star acquisition  would likely need arthroscopic surgery, which would end his season. 

Fans have already joked that he'd had to have played this season to have had one...and they're right. Bynum was on the mend when the Sixers acquired him this past summer. Bynum and the team have sent mixed messages about his possible return. This wekend, coach Doug Collins alluded to the fact that Bynum's knee wasn't healing as it should. 

"During this period of time, he's not made any progress, and that's obviously very concerning," Collins said. "His concern that he was moving forward and he got to a point with the swelling where he's making no progress." 

Worst of all, the Sixers emptied the bank for him sending Andre Iguodala, Nikola Vucevic, and Maurice Harkless. Andre Iguodala is contuing his decent stats he helps the Denver Nuggets vie for a playoff spot. Vucevic and Harkless may not be household names, but the 23-35 Sixers could use them right now. Vucevic is averaging a double double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Harkless has been impressing Orlando with his increased scoring to match his increased minutes. 

With the playoffs firmly out of their grasp, Sixers general manager Tony DiLeo is likely already in rebuild mode. DiLeo now is faced with the prospect of committing long-term money to a 25-year old coming off two knee surgeries and a missed season or possibly letting a center walk who was once considered a franchise player.  The Sixers have leverage in the form of being able to sign Bynum for a year longer than anyone.

The Lakers believed in Bynum so much that they traded him. Time will tell if the Sixers will learn to look on the bright side.