Andrew Bynum

With USA Basketball suffering what he called a "rash of injuries," chairman Jerry Colangelo said he plans to meet with the team's coaching staff either April 30 or May 1 in Las Vegas to determine how they're going to fill their thinning roster for the 2012 London Olympics. Orlando center Dwight Howard plans to have season-ending back surgery. Clippers guard Chauncey Billups tore an Achilles tendon earlier this season. Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge plans to have hip surgery.

-- ESPN.com's Chris Broussard and Marc Stein report that the Portland Trail Blazers have a strong interest in interviewing Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak for their vacant GM position. -- The Times' Mike Bresnahan argues the Lakers must find a way to maintain balance upon Kobe Bryant's return to the lineup.  -- The Orange County Register's Janis Carr looks at the biggest surprises surrounding the Lakers' season. -- The San Antonio Express-News' Jeff McDonald explains why the Spurs want to play the Lakers with Bryant in the lineup.

-- The Times' Ben Bolch explains how Andrew Bynum remains his own toughest critic. -- ESPN.com's Henry Abbott believes Kobe Bryant might be contributing to Bynum's frustration. -- The Orange County Register's Janis Carr highlights Matt Barnes' optimism that he'll finally win an NBA ring. -- The Denver Post's Chris Dempsey looks at where the Nuggets stand in terms of roster makeup. -- NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper mentions how Ramon Sessions feels ready for the postseason.

At a time when they felt the extra financial pinch stemmed from the new labor deal, the Lakers still understood the value it takes to build a championship roster.  At a time when they could've gone for  cheaper, the Lakers went better. At a time when they could've walked away with their chips to save for a long-term future, they put all their chips in to hit the jackpot. With the Lakers acquiring Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, they followed through on Mitch Kupchak's vow that "we'll try to hit a home run. " The Lakers didn't just belt one out of the park.

Despite Dwight Howard joining the Lakers., Vegas odds-makers believe there's a Kryptonite that Superman can't stop. The Miami Heat. The Lakers' odds have increased substantially from 7-1 to 3-1 to win the NBA championships, according to RJ Bell of Pregame.com. But that's not enough in the eyes of sports bookies for the Lakers to take their talents to South Beach and leave with the Larry O'Brien trophy. Miami still remains the favorite with 2-1 odds. PHOTOS: Dwight Howard's Magic days "You have the defending champion that is expected to be better with Ray Allen," Bell told The Times in a phone interview.

Some things to keep an eye on when the Lakers (34-20) visit the Clippers (32-21) Wednesday night at Staples Center: 1. This game has big-picture implications . We'll break down some of the particulars in some of the notes below. But it's not hyperbole to say this game bears great significance in the 2011-12 season. The outcome significantly enhances the playoff seeding in two ways.  The Lakers hold only a 1 1/2 game lead over the Clippers for third place in the Pacific Division.

Dwight Howard may soon find out he can't have it both ways. He wants to remain with the Orlando Magic through this season, but refuses to sign a long-term deal or an extension. In turn, ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports Howard's plea has only pushed them closer to trading him before Thursday's trade deadline. Meanwhile, the Lakers may also soon find out they can't have it both ways. As much as I've advocated in the past for the Lakers to acquire Howard, even if it means trading Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, Howard's latest reaction should give the Lakers some pause.

Things to watch when the Lakers play the Denver Nuggets Friday night at Pepsi Center. The Lakers have a 2-0 series lead. 1. Can the Lakers contain the Nuggets' speed? Even with a 2-0 series lead, the Lakers shouldn't suddenly think they're invincible. The Nuggets chipped away at the Lakers' 19-point lead in Game 2 because they pushed in the open floor and wound up with 30 fast-break points. They outhustled the Lakers in  rebounding (52-48) and second-chance points (26-19)

For over a year, the Lakers couldn't get themselves out of what appeared to be a little batting slump. They clearly hit the ball out of the park by landing Chris Paul. But the umpire (NBA Commissioner David Stern) ruled it a foul ball. It then appeared the Lakers whiffed when they traded away Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher. Then they repeatedly hit balls that landed foul. They acquired a promising point guard in Ramon Sessions, but he couldn't handle the playoff pressure. A bloated payroll made Deron Williams skeptical of wearing purple and gold.