By KEVIN DING
The Orange County Register
The Lakers' Andrew Bynum battles with Greg Ostertag of the Utah Jazz in a recent exhibition game.
Kevin Sullivan, The Orange County Register
It figured to be interesting for Andrew Bynum, the youngest player drafted into the NBA, to be coached by Phil Jackson, who has long held a philosophical belief the league stunts the growth of the teenagers it makes into professionals.
On Thursday, when Bynum turned 18, Jackson put a twist on the stock rookie hazing and ordered Bynum to sing "Happy Birthday" to himself in front of the team.
But Jackson's ways are usually less lowbrow than that. On Saturday, as the Lakers prepared to shoot their practice-ending free throws (they have to run sprints if they don't make a certain number), Jackson locked in on Bynum again.
Announcing that the 15 players in practice, each taking a turn, would need to make 12 free throws to end practice, Jackson suddenly added: "What percentage is that, Andrew?"
Jackson is aware Bynum was a diligent student at St. Joseph High in Metuchen, N.J. The response to Jackson's query, though, came immediately and with each syllable drawn out in the manner of a kid whose teacher has asked for way too much.
"I have no idea," Bynum said.
Jackson wasn't deterred.
"C'mon, what fraction does that break down to?" Jackson prodded.
But Bynum didn't have it, so Jackson gave it up, announcing, "4 of 5."
Jackson might have missed on that attempt, but it's not unreasonable to think the coach can hit on 80 percent on his efforts to make Bynum use his brain for something beyond the triangle offense. Bynum likes to read, so count on him to dive into whatever Jackson gives him later this season.
Jackson calls Bynum "a good learner" who needs to learn to play with more intensity than in high school. Bynum is listening to Jackson most of the time - and enjoying listening to him.
A few minutes after the Lakers made the requisite 12 free throws Saturday and Jackson was addressing the players in a private huddle, the coach cracked a joke that sent Bynum to the floor in laughter, arms spread out, face down on the court.
Bynum's youthful spirit has been on display often with the Lakers, who are pleased his mother and brother have moved with him. Bynum bought a six-bedroom house in Westchester for $1.65 million for them to live together.
Jackson is glad the NBA changed its rules and now requires players to be 19 or a year removed from high school to be eligible for the draft.
"My wish was 20, but I think 19 will at least send a message to kids to take college as a serious proposition," Jackson said.
Jackson said the league has done well in establishing a program for its youngest players, "not just dropping kids off at the mall and letting them hang out there playing with video games for 20 hours unceasingly until the next practice."
