[Basketball News]

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19 (AP) -- Andrew Bynum had just completed a 14-point, 11-rebound performance against San Antonio, and Spurs star Tim Duncan was properly impressed, saying the Lakers' center showed great promise for a 20-year-old.

When informed Bynum had recently turned 19, Duncan's eyes widened.

"Nineteen? That should be illegal,'' he said, shaking his head.

Duncan isn't the only one impressed with Bynum, who was supposed to ease into his professional career until the Lakers deemed him ready to contribute. Outside of a Kobe Bryant here and a LeBron James there, that's how it works with high schoolers entering the NBA.

Young Andrew Bynum Learning on the Job

[Lefty Noob]

So what's the scouting report on this kid? How good's he gonna be?

[EmpireWF]

He did come out of high school and from all accounts, will take a few years to mature into a stable and consistant player. The Lakers loved the kid and didn't want anyone else taking him in the draft and may have reached a bit. However, if he reaches his potential, he can be great.

[Notorious C.L.E.]

I like Andrew Bynum's talent quite a bit, though he really is a project. He has an attractive physical frame at 7-0, 285 lbs. with tremendous athleticism. He can bang around down low and hit the glass with anyone in the NBA, but the rest of his game is raw. I think he has developed nicely since Brown and Mihm went down, but he needs to become more conditioned to the NBA.

[MJHMarc]

Woah. As a Lakers fan, I thought he was in his early 20s with great potential.

From New Jersey, I must admit that he might be the future of our organization.