Bynum was the key, because although Gasol is a true seven footer and Odom is long in his own right, neither player is as physical as Bynum in the paint, and neither player is as strong.
The Boston Celtics have tough, physical players in Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis, but none of those players could out-muscle Bynum in the paint once he got position, and his height advantage made it easier to shoot over them.
Through the first three games of the series Bynum began to establish himself as a dominant player on both ends of the court, but a lingering knee issue could hamper his playing time, and the Lakers' chances for a repeat.
The pain from Bynum's partially-torn meniscus limited his playing time in Game Four, and for the first time in the series, the Celtics completely dominated the Lakers in the paint.
Bynum only played 12 minutes and the Lakers' only lost the battle of the boards 41-34, but they were out-rebounded 16-8 on the offensive glass, and Odom and Gasol only had one offensive rebound a piece.
In fact, both Gasol and Odom spent much of the fourth quarter getting out-hustled and pushed around by the shorter, but stouter Davis who controlled the paint in the end of the game.
It was a stunning reversal for Gasol who had all but shed his image as a soft player during this series, but now faces new questions about his physical fortitude in the wake of Davis' abuse.
It's clear the Celtics would rather face a combination of Gasol and Odom rather than one featuring Bynum, and now the Lakers must adjust against a Boston team who may smell blood in the water.
Bynum had no elevation in his legs during the brief moments ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
