Andrew Bynum is out 8 to 12 weeks because of torn MCL.  It won’t require surgery and Bynum will rest for 2 weeks before starting rehabilitation of the knee.  This injured knee is not the same knee that Bynum injured last year, which he dislocated against the same Memphis Grizzlies team.

They’re saying 8 to 12 weeks is a conservative estimate of the Lakers.  Last year they said Bynum will be back for the playoffs but he didn’t play and the Lakers lost in the finals.  So, I’m not so sure about this “conservative” estimate.  I think he’ll be out 16 weeks at least.  No, there’s no formula here.  I just added about several weeks to their conservative estimate.

That’s me, I’m a pessimist.

So, what’s the outlook for the Lakers?  Are they a better team now than they were last year sans Bynum?  The Lakers are basically the same team with the addition of a talented Trevor Ariza.  I think Trevor can still improve, especially his shooting.  Of course, Ronnie Turiaf is out but Josh Powell looks to have equalized Turiaf’s departure.

Oh, and I think Sasha’s shooting is still poor (just like last year), however you might argue that statistically last year, Sasha had his best shooting season.  It was better, yes, but it’s not enough to keep defenses that honest.  They will make Sasha launch that three.   Sasha is a streak shooter and that’s not really good for any basketball team.

I must say, this team must be better than last year’s because of, one, Trevor Ariza, and two, sheer experience.  The question that begs to be answered is, is this good enough for a title?

Remember, San Antonio had a limping Manu Ginobili last year.  Now, if the Spurs have their big 3 healthy, they’ll be much more improved with the addition of Matt Bonner’s and Roger Mason’s breakout performances.

I think that Bynum is out for the season and the onus will be thrust to Odom, yet again.  If Odom stops falling in love with “sharing the ball” and asserts himself, the Lakers will win it all.