Andrew Bynum and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have worked together for four years, with the NBA's all-time points scorer serving as a mentor.

Sources close to the team said Abdul-Jabbar will be playing a lesser role with both the Lakers and Bynum this season.

Abdul-Jabbar expressed disappointment in Bynum and the situation, saying, "I think there are things that have to do with basketball that he could learn but he's getting on in years."

Bynum said he understood his mentor's feelings, but that it's not personal and just a natural evolution for him in his career.

"I understand where he's coming from," Bynum said. "It's definitely tough (for him). As of right now, I have my direction and he's still helping me. As long as he doesn't stop helping me, everything is going to be fine."

Over the summer, the two had no contact.