Andrew Bynum
A physically dominant center whose brilliant but brief peak made him the youngest player ever to win an NBA championship.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Andrew Bynum's basketball narrative is one of prodigious talent, championship glory, and a career cut short by relentless injuries. Drafted straight from high school by the Los Angeles Lakers at just 17, the 7-foot center was a project with massive hands and raw potential. Under the tutelage of Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson, he developed into a defensive anchor and a skilled low-post scorer, forming a crucial part of the Lakers' back-to-back title teams in 2009 and 2010. His 2012 season was a revelation—he made his only All-Star team, led the league in rebounds, and seemed poised for superstardom. But chronic knee problems, compounded by a perceived lack of dedication, derailed everything. Traded in a blockbuster deal, his career spiraled through multiple teams as surgeries and setbacks mounted, forcing his retirement before he turned 30. He remains a towering 'what if' in NBA lore.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrew was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andrew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010.
- Became the youngest player ever to appear in an NBA game at 18 years and 6 days old in 2005.
- Named an NBA All-Star and to the All-NBA Second Team in 2012, a season where he led the league in total rebounds.
- Recorded a career-high 10 blocks in a single game in 2012, tying a Lakers franchise record.
Did You Know?
He was the last player drafted directly out of high school to win an NBA championship.
He is an accomplished bowler and once considered pursuing it professionally after basketball.
He famously got a haircut during halftime of a playoff game in 2012.
His jersey number 17 was chosen because he was the 10th pick in the draft (10+7=17).
“I had the talent, but my knees couldn't carry the weight.”
