There was harsh criticism from Kobe Bryant directed at Andrew Bynum this summer, and constant trade rumors involving the Lakers' young center. Bynum had to endure stinging words and the disfavor of those among the Lakers faithful who wanted him sent packing. He had his coaching staff, team management and teammates to appease.

But Bynum said he kept his focus on working to improve. His approach was to delve into the positives and not worry about the negatives.

"Hopefully, I can just go out there and play well this season and have all those (critical) people eventually become my fans," Bynum said softly in his first extensive interview of the summer. "I know that I've got to prove that I'm worth them holding off trading me."

Bynum's first big step in that mission could be winning a starting job. He got a taste of it last season, and the two teammates he's competing with, veterans Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm, both are returning from injuries.