The Los Angeles Clippers recently signed Hedo Turkoglu for the remainder of the season, and signed Darius Morris to a second 10-day contract in Chris Paul‘s absence.

In a competitive Western Conference, the Clippers have to maintain their position against other teams like Golden State, Portland, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Houston clicking on all cylinders. What will allow the Clippers to emerge amongst the crowd, and stand tall enough to elevate to the NBA Finals?

Head coach Doc Rivers always preaches and continues to stress defense, and though the teams defense has improved, the second unit is missing an ingredient that is crucial to their growth and elevation in the league. The player that they need to balance out their team and would give them a favorable edge is free agent center Andrew Bynum.

In the 2013-14 season, Bynum started in 19 of 24 games played for the Cleveland Cavs at $6.25 million guaranteed for the season. Bynum was suspended by the team, then later traded before a January 7th deadline to the Chicago Bulls, where he was later waived.

The two teams that were said to be in contention for his services were the Miami Heat and the Clippers.

The Heat have already taken a chance with Greg Oden and Michael Beasley, the only other serious option for Bynum is the Clippers.

Rivers has been hesitant to speak in detail regarding Bynum, but the organization is doing their homework and taking their time in evaluating him. Making sure Bynum is an asset to the locker room, and not a liability with his attitude.

The players in the locker room know how to have fun, but they also know when it’s time to get to work and focus. The big question is: “CanBynum focus when it’s time to get to work on the court?”

The 2-time NBA champion Bynum, if mentally focused on playing basketball, could be the muscle they need to rise to that elite level. Putting DeAndre Jordan at the foul line in crunch time situations in the 4th quarter is not the smartest idea, he is currently shooting 39% from the charity stripe. However, Bynum could also provide 10-15 minutes per game off the bench, especially with his ailing knee problems down the stretch.

Bynum is a 70% career free throw shooter, which in Jordan’s absence on the floor provides valuable results, where a big man is needed to conclude the game.

The Clippers have a locked and loaded team when healthy, in Paul, Blake Griffin, J.J. Redick, Darren Collison, Jordan, Matt Barnes and others. However with all of those players mentioned, they still need a completion to the puzzle.

The Western Conference is destitute at center with the exception of Houston’s Dwight Howard, and facing opponents at season’s end and in the playoffs, Bynum’s presence would be felt tremendously. As the Clippers engage on capturing their first world title in franchise history, Bynum has proven to be a difference maker in championship situations like he did in years with the Los Angeles Lakers.