Lakers center Andrew Bynum is close to returning to the team. When he does, he'll give a serious boost to the Lakers' championship aspirations.

Bynum has made it back from an MCL tear quickly because, like he said on his blog, he has been working out like a fiend.  He's been playing some 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 basketball and he’s been lifting Playboy bunnies on his shoulders.

While the Lakers were in Atlanta preparing for what would be an 86-76 loss to the Hawks on Sunday, Bynum was in Los Angeles mingling at a pajamas and lingerie party after the Playboy Golf Finals…..

He picked up Playmate Nicole Narain and placed her on his shoulders and got somebody to take a picture with his digital camera.

As you read this, talk radio in Los Angeles is filled with freaked-out Lakers' fans saying stuff like: “How could he risk our championship chances like that?” “Doesn’t he care about winning?”

Listen: Bynum is 21 years old; he's single and rich — I’d be more concerned if he turned down a trip to the Playboy Mansion.

Lakers fans are bored waiting for the playoffs to start, so throw in anything with Playboy bunnies and the story will get traction. But this is really a case of “no harm, no foul.” Just pretend he was doing squats with 98 points of weight, getting ready for his return to the court. Let the man have a little fun.