Kobe Coming Around On Andrew Bynum?

In what has to be one early season highlights for the energetic and potentially surprising Lakers, the new, young-teammate-friendly Kobe Bryant praised his 20-year-old teammate, Andrew Bynum, for his effort in the young season. "He's working really hard in practice and before practice, and I see a lot of improvement in him," Bryant said. "The more he plays, the more his feet get wet, the more he gets acclimated to the type of conditioning that he needs to play at this level, but he's doing a fantastic job."

Of course, this is the same Andrew Bynum that was the target of some less-than-flattering remarks from Kobe Bryant in the off-season, after the Lakers refused to include Bynum in a trade for New Jersey guard Jason Kidd before last season’s trade deadline. In realizing that A) Bynum will be in L.A. for the time being, B) He [Kobe] will also be in L.A. for the time being and C) Bynum does actually have some pretty serious game, Kobe is taking steps to help the Lakers’ young center, both on the floor, where he is noticeably taking more of a mentor role with Bynum, talking to him and giving suggestions between plays, and off the floor, with sincere and encouraging words about his development. The only thing better than a talented, hard-working young player? A talented, hard-working young player being pushed toward success by the league’s most talented and hardest-working player!