Thanks to the NBA lockout, Andrew Bynum will be serving a bit of a shorter sentence for his flagrant foul on Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea in last season's Western Conference Finals, having it dropped from five games to four, according to ESPN's Marc Stein on Twitter.
NBA announces suspensions for Andrew Bynum and Charlie Villanueva reduced from five games to FOUR because season only 66 games instead of 82
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 23, 2011
Bynum's "unnecessary and excessive contact" on the much smaller Barea will still cost the Lakers center the first four games of the season that "he is eligible and physically able to play," likely meaning the first three coming from Dec, 25-27 (Bulls, @ Kings, Jazz) and Dec. 29 against the New York Knicks at Staples Center.
With this shortened season taking off like a cannonball, it will definitely hurt not having the big fella to start off the year. Hopefully it won't affect the Lakers too much.
For more on the Lake Show, head over to Silver Screen and Roll.