Never the same again? A new Laker team is being scrutinized? The saga on the Los Angeles Lakers rumor of trades especially on Pau Gasol affects the way the team played in the recent games. The debacle of the Lakers against the Suns last Sunday was the trigger point for Kobe Bryant to talk it straight about the situation of Gasol in the team.

Bryant mentioned in the recent interview that the management has to settle first about Gasol’s trade or not to trade him. Bryant understands that Gasol couldn’t give his all to the team because of the apparent trade that the Lakers management is dealing with to improve the team. The trade being rumored is centered on the Spaniard Gasol and that Bryant intends him to be with the Lakers but still it’s up to Mitch Kupchak to make the final decision. What Bryant is expressing is that Kupchak has to push the button now.

Trail Blazers vs Lakers game will be overshadowed by the poor display of enthusiasm on the Lakers team in their game against the Suns that their deficit even went up to 27 points. The problem that compounds the Lakers is their inability to win games on the road. However, Lakers face the Blazers at the Staples Center in tonight’s game.

To aggravate the matter, the Lakers haven’t won against the Trail Blazers in their last two meetings. With the Lakers still looking for the identity of the team, it is worth noting that Blazers Gerald Wallace and Lamarcus Aldridge combined for 59 points in January that enabled the Portland to pull off the victory. Wallace has been so dominant and aggressive in both the offensive and defensive sides of the game.

Aldridge played extremely well against the Lakers and that he will have to make the extra effort against the tough defense of Pau Gasol or Metta World Peace. It is imperative for the Trail Blazers to start it early and to make the Lakers do the chasing at the Staples Center. Furthermore, Nicolas Batum and Raymond Felton must be contribute offensively to dispatch the Lakers defense. Trail Blazers started the season well but in the last 26 games, their chemistry is not sufficiently turning into victories.

Los Angeles Lakers have to find the way to win big as they will have to struggle against the defense of the Trail Blazers. Gasol must contribute for at least 20-10 or else the Lakers will have the hard time keeping up in this game. Andrew Bynum must impose his will against the big players of the Trail Blazers so that it will give an opportunity for the Lakers to dominate inside the paint.

It is also clear that Metta World Peace performance is dwindling and that he needs to lift up the level of his energy to help the Lakers be in the playoffs. Moreover, Matt Barnes must step up into the fold in the scoring area. One of the disadvantages of the Lakers has been the point guard position, Steve Blake must take the 3-pointers presented to him and that he must connect. Derek Fisher still has a part of the team but it is totally not a wise decision for coach Mike Brown to give him a lot of minutes as Fisher is becoming slow especially on the defensive side.

As Bryant stated, “I wish management would come out and either trade him or not trade him,” Bryant said. “It’s tough for a player to give his all when you don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow. I’d rather them not trade him at all. If they’re going to do something, I wish they would just … do it. If they’re not going to do it, come out and say you’re not going to do it.”

Another defeat for the Lakers will eventually keeps the Lakers management to think about the uncertain future of Gasol. If Lakers have to settle for Gasol the rest of the season, then Gasol must perform to the best of his ability.

Trail Blazers vs Lakers Game Time is at 10:30 PM ET. Trail Blazers vs Lakers tv channel coverage is on TNT and Fox West. Trail Blazers vs Lakers score is to be presented here.