Andrew Bynum has played excellent basketball over the second half of the season and into the playoffs for the Lakers.

Kobe Bryant believes he and Bynum have built a stronger relationship since All-Star weekend. 

“Nothing could materialize for us last year. I couldn’t be around my guys, couldn’t practice with them,” Bryant said. “And my personality could not rub off on the team. I could not give them what I’ve been giving them for the last two months.”