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Four years ago this summer, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul were two of 12 NBA players determined to restore America's standing as the worldwide kings of basketball. In a classic game against Spain (featuring none other than Pau Gasol), Team USA won the gold and showed fans how a team of elite superstars can push egos to the side for the sake of a larger goal.

With Lakers-Clippers on the docket this evening, various ESPN scribes (including the K Bros) gathered thoughts from Bryant's and Paul's Olympic teammates and coaches about the experience of working with them. Click here to make a patriotic trip down Memory Lane, and below are excerpts with Kobe's and Paul's recollections about one another:

Kobe on Paul: He's tough. He's tough as nails, man; he doesn't back down from anything or anybody. I'd never been as close to him, but when I was [on the Olympic team] I'd try to challenge him, see what he's made of and he's a tough little sucker.

Paul on Kobe: Me and Kob really figured out how much we had in common on that trip. That Olympic experience is when we got a lot closer. Me and my wife send him Christmas cards and his family sends us Christmas cards, and now we talk on a regular basis. We both want to win so badly. It's one of those things where as great a relationship as we have, as long as we're playing on the same court against each other, we're always going to get into it, you know what I mean? That's the respect factor, because you know that he wants it just as bad as I do.

With the trade deadline approaching so many questions about Dwight Howard... Pau Gasol... Andrew Bynum... Deron Williams... Michael Beasley... Ramon Sessions... Ray Felton... and why the heck the Lakers haven't amnestied Luke Walton yet. (Although really, fans would be asking about the latter issue even without March 15 looming.)

Here's the link to the room.

UPDATE (10:41 am PT)- ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports the Magic are, in the wake of Howard's comments last night, more open to moving him unless he makes some sort of commitment to Orlando. "Dwight Howard's public plea late Tuesday to remain in Orlando for the rest of the season has only served to anger the Magic and has instead pushed them closer than ever to trading their superstar center, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation," writes Broussard. While I suspect any deal would likely land him with New Jersey -- I can't imagine a team like the Lakers giving up real value absent a commitment from Howard not likely coming -- it looks like Howard's comments may have goosed the trade market in a few ways.)

The ever-developing developing Dwight Howard story developed ever more Tuesday night, when after the Magic beat Miami in Orlando, the All-Star center said he hopes not to move before Thursday's trade deadline. Reports ESPN.com's Michael Wallace:

"Howard, who is in the middle of wide-ranging trade speculation, said he has talked with Magic owner Rich DeVos and other front-office executives about his desire to stay for the past two weeks. But Howard would not commit to signing a long-term contract extension and could opt out of his deal to enter free agency in the summer.

"We've been talking, like I said, for a while," Howard said after leading the Magic to a 104-98 overtime home victory against the Miami Heat. "I told them I want to finish this season out and give our team, give our fans some hope for the future. But I feel they have to roll the dice. It might be tough, but I feel we've got a great opportunity. But they've got to roll it."

This benefits a few people. First, LeBron James, because even he of "taking my talents" fame cringed at Howard's horrendous "roll the dice" line. It also benefits Howard, since the prevailing opinion is he wants to stay only so he can then opt out in July, and sign with a more fully stocked Nets team.

The Lakers haven't seemed like true players in the Howard sweepstakes in a while, but his comments Tuesday night could add some clarity to the hours leading up to the deadline and serve to loosen up what has to this point been a pretty quiet market. If teams still interested in Howard (and by extension, teams waiting on teams still interested) feel he's staying put for now and the jump to Brooklyn is inevitable, they can start looking at respective plan B's more earnestly.

Very big, very hard fought win for the Lakers tonight in Memphis. 116-111 in double OT.

On tonight's show, we review all the high points, including:

• Massive games from Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum.
• The importance of a big comeback on the road -- L.A. was down 17 in the third -- against a good team (even one missing two of its three best players in Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay).
• The dynamic between Bynum and Pau Gasol. How much does the presence of one impact the other?
• Dwight Howard's "roll the dice" comments tonight following Orlando's win over Miami. He now says he wants to stay in Orlando through the deadline. Does that impact L.A.'s plans heading into Thursday?

The Lakers are about to kick off the second half, which means plenty of action in the room. Among the talking points were Kobe Bryant's concussion, trade scenarios and Andrew Bynum's knee.

Here is the link to the chat.

Ever since the Lakers were swept out of the 2011 playoffs and Phil Jackson waved goodbye, questions have swirled like a tornado on a Red Bull high. Does a Bryant-Gasol-Bynum-Odom core still qualify as a championship foundation? What about Bryant-Gasol-Bynum? Can Mike Brown pick up where the most successful coach in NBA history left off? Similarly, can an increasingly prominent Jim Buss maintain the standard of excellence established by his old man?

What direction is the Lakers franchise heading?

After 34 games, every riddle hasn't been solved, and it's probably fair to say the hints dropped haven't eased Laker Nation's nerves. The remaining 32 will be analyzed equally as basketball and tea leaves to get a bead on this campaign -- and beyond. Here are eight things potentially shaping whatever answers are discovered.

1. Who's on the roster come March 16?
Without question, the biggest question as the second half commences. Ever since the preseason, a dark, persistent cloud has loomed in the form of roster holes. It's essentially Swiss cheese beyond the Big Three, making tweaks seem mandatory if the Lakers truly are in it to win it this season. (They are in it to win it this season, right?) Unless you happen to be an All-Star guard who commutes by helicopter, consider yourself expendable in the face of change.

Of course, what could define "change" remains a Hitchcockian mystery.

Are we talking Gilbert Arenas plucked off the street? A B-level point guard and/or small forward acquired through the Lamar Odom trade exception? (The ears of Michael Beasley and Ramon Sessions are burning.) And it's important to note that on March 1, new faces Jason Kapono, Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy are eligible for relocation. Like all their fellow role players, none are likely to blow up Mitch Kupchak's phone, but the literal ability to move them expands options. Especially if the front office pursues a blockbuster involving Pau Gasol and/or Andrew Bynum, which may require smaller pieces to balance numbers.

From there, implementing new faces becomes the goal. There's no telling how everyone will click, much less whether they can jell fast enough to make a Finals run.

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We've reached the halfway point of the season, people! What do you think of the Lakers with 34 games in the books? What do you think the remaining 32 games have to offer? Brian's doled out mid-term grades, so we hit the studio for further reflection and projection. Among the talking points:



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- Who were the Lakers' most and least valuable players at the mid-point? Who has been the most pleasant surprise? Among the supporting players, who is it most crucial to see step up for this team to become legitimate title contenders?

- How would you evaluate Mike Brown's performance in his first campaign? The conditions under which he has been forced to operate haven't been ideal, but if he's looking to make lemonade from lemons, you could argue he has mishandled opportunities.

- Save an unexpected -- and unrealistic -- collective leap in performance from players 4-12, it's obvious the Lakers need to tweak the roster to make a championship run. Would the Lakers be better off adding pieces to complement the existing Big Three, which almost certainly means sacrificing the draft picks and other assets likely needed to land a superstar? Or do you hoard every asset possible until the 11th hour in an effort to land Dwight Howard and/or Deron Williams, which risks being left high and dry once the deadline passes?

Never a dull moment in Laker Land. By definition, that makes for a lively Laker chat.

Among the talking points were Pau Gasol's future in L.A., how Michael Beasley (reportedly on the front office radar) would fit in L.A., and the likelihood of new faces after the trade deadline. Plus, a shout out to "Chaz!"

Click here for the transcript.

It's been a couple months since the failed mega deal that would have sent Pau Gasol to Houston, bringing Chris Paul to L.A. (wearing purple and gold, specifically) in return. But just because David Stern put the kibosh on that deal doesn't mean the end of Gasol-related rumors.

The newest point of chatter, via Chris Tomasson of FoxSports.com, again fires up the Pau-to-The Great White North conversation.

While he's worked proactively to set the rumors aside, Gasol told me today he still senses the Lakers are are ready to move him once a good enough deal comes along. "There's talks and rumors every day. Today I was reading it was Minnesota is really interested in trying to put a good package together," he said. "[Other teams are] calling, and it seems like things are just waiting for the right offer to come along for [the Lakers] to pull the trigger."

As he's done every time he's been asked since the failed CP3 deal, Gasol reiterated a desire to stay in L.A., but acknowledges "It's out of my hands... I'd like to make his team better and get back to a championship level, but it's not up to me." As it was in the immediate aftermath of the December non-deal when it appeared the Paul trade might be revived, Gasol said he just wished he knew one way or the other.

"It would give me some peace, or more peace," he said.

"Every day I tell myself, try to let it go. Don't think about it. Have fun, be the player you are out there. That's all that you can do."

At least as it relates to his on court performance, Gasol is effectively setting aside the off court stuff. While his shooting percentage is down (46.8 percent), over seven February games Gasol has produced 18.6 points, 14 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks a night. As for the rumor itself, the latest sends Pau to Minnesota in exchange for anything not named Kevin Love or Ricky Rubio. Almost certainly any package would be centered around Derrick Williams, the second pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, plus whatever else Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss might want off David Kahn's roster, which while improving still has an Island of Misfit Toys feel after Love and Rubio.

Even if the Lakers managed to acquire a point guard in the process (Luke Ridnour?), there's no way this sort of deal actually improves them. It only makes sense (and avoids a totally apoplectic Kobe Bryant) if the Lakers believed strongly they could use Williams as a chip in another trade, or as part of a three-team swap. Certainly he'd have some appeal as a young, potential cornerstone. Enough to help swing trades for Dwight Howard or Deron Williams? Who knows.

On the "Sure, that could happen!" scale, this one rates pretty low. I suspect its roots are somewhere in Minnesota, rather than El Segundo.

The room has closed for business, but you can still check out the conversation. Among the talking points: Gilbert Arenas vs. J.R. Smith... Mike Brown vs. Metta World Peace... and the trade deadline vs. the limited resources at Mitch Kupchak's disposal.

Plus, a reader suspects the Kamenetzky wives don't realize how fortunate they are being married to Lakers bloggers. Clearly, luckier stars have never been discovered.

Everything can be found by clicking the link here.

It was a lively day in the chat-o-sphere, as one would expect with an erratic road trip halfway in the books.

Among the talking points were potential trade targets (Rondo, Sessions, Howard, etc.), the role of Andrew Goudelock upon Steve Blake's return and Mike Brown's rotations. Plus, fare thee well, Derrick Caracter.

For those who couldn't attend, here's a link to the transcript.

It's official, Andrew Bynum has been elected the starting center for the Western Conference in this year's All-Star Game. It'll be his first and while he's excited, in true Bynum fashion, he managed to undercut his own accomplishment noting there is a little less competition this year at the position.

"Man, I always wanted to be an All-Star. I said that like six years ago. It took a long time. It’s kind of attrition a little bit, there’s nobody there [at center in the Western Conference]," No Yao [Ming]. For me, it feels good because at least this year I’m putting up the kind of numbers that qualify me for it and it’s great because the fans voted me in. So, it’s not like I got picked by coaches. The fans are out there and they’re supporting me. I can’t wait to go, it’s going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to the rest too."

Averaging 16.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks a game, it's hard to argue with the choice fans have made, though Al Jefferson and Marc Gasol have compelling cases to present as well.

The irony of course is the day validating his hard work and improvement as a player over the course of his seven-year career comes in Orlando, lining up against Dwight Howard, the player for whom many assume (and in the case of some Lakers fans, hope) he will be traded. So the vast majority of his time over the weekend will be spent answering questions about the hypothetical swap instead of playing in his first All-Star Game.

Bit of a bummer, but showing signs of true vet-hood, Bynum already has his canned answer prepared, one he said he'll stick to the entire trip. "All I can do is keep playing well. The better I play, I guess the harder it is to make a deal."

There you have it.

Hopefully, though I doubt it, the media will get tired of hearing it and let Bynum have some fun. He's earned a little enjoyment.

Plenty to talk about today as the Lakers prep for their six game roadie starting Friday in Denver. We project their record on the swing, and of course address all the talk of new blood for the roster, whether Dwight Howard, Ramon Sessions, Gilbert Arenas, or miscellaneous.

Did you miss the fun? Re-live it with this handy transcript.

The Lakers have a big game tonight against the Clippers, but much of the talk still centered around roster moves, from Dwight Howard on down to smaller moves. Are the Lakers doing anything to fix current problems? We talk that, and more.

Here's the link to the transcript.

Brian and I have spent a lot of time recently debating the likelihood of Dwight Howard getting traded, whether to the Lakers or otherwise. I think he will be. Brian doesn't. However, we do agree if Howard relocates before the deadline, it'll come down to the wire, unless the Magic experiences a seemingly unlikely tailspin. Until that time arrives (or doesn't), the Lakers are a team in need of help, and the trade exception from the Lamar Odom deal provides the flexibility to obtain a player without sending one out in return.

One such candidate I've recently pondered is Grizzlies reserve guard O.J. Mayo. From a skill set perspective, he addresses some glaring needs: Mayo is a wing capable of creating his own shot and connecting from outside, plus serving as a reasonably reliable play-maker. He's hardly a panacea, particularly on the defensive end, but at the same time, the Lakers have considerably more issues scoring than stopping, and beggars can't be choosers. Mayo could provide a real shot in the arm. He's been shopped by the Grizzlies before, and would actually be a Pacer right now were it not for last minute snags.

I've wondered over the last couple weeks if the Griz might be willing to pawn him off simply for the privilege of no longer paying his salary. From there, it's a matter of the Lakers picking up a $5.6 million tab, and unless the front office is already writing off this season, they'd have to consider it.

Now, though, it seems this scenario may not be likely. Via Ronald Tillery, Commercial Appeal:

Truth is, Griz management isn't seriously thinking of dealing Mayo nor is his possible, restricted free-agent status this summer a major concern. Mayo likely will remain with the Griz this season because of his productivity and the Grizzlies' ability to control his future with the right of first refusal on contract offers.

Although Mayo is eligible to negotiate a long-term contact extension with Memphis by Wednesday, the Griz aren't compelled to agree to a deal or trade him at the moment.

"It remains to be seen whether something happens or not," Griz general manager Chris Wallace said about a Mayo contract extension. "If it doesn't happen I wouldn't read much into it. We didn't extend Rudy and re-signed him. It's a floating situation. I wouldn't say (Mayo) is a lock to be with us after this year and I wouldn't say he isn't. There's so much ground to be covered between now and July."

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