The Lakers have officially picked up Andrew Bynum's $16.1MM option for 2012/13, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter). The move was expected as General Manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters during his exit interview that he planned to pick up the big man's option for next season.
Even though Lakers vice president of player personnel Jim Buss made his fondness for Bynum known late last week, the club may still look to move Bynum in an effort to retool. The center would almost certainly be a part of a deal to bring Magic star Dwight Howard to Los Angeles if the opportunity presents itself.
The Lakers are wary of adding to their already sizeable payroll but have said that they will still explore an extension for the 24-year-old. The 7-footer averaged career-highs in points and rebounds this season with 18.7 and 11.8 per contest.
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