--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains why the Lakers struggle when they play the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden. 

--The Columbian's Matt Calkins extrapolates on the Lakers-Blazers matchup. 

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding highlights Kobe Bryant's high remarks on Andrew Bynum's play. 

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe breaks down whether the Trail Blazers are contenders. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky provides an open debate on what qualities Laker fans have. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky analyzes some numbers regarding Bryant's play. 

--Fox Sports' Joe McDonnell believes Bryant's willing to share the spotlight. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin explores the dynamic between Bryant and Bynum. 

--The Oregonian's Jason Quick talks with Portland players who feel the Trail Blazers still remain under the radar despite starting off with a Western Conference-leading 4-1 record. 

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell details Bynum's readiness for Portland. 

--The Orange County Register's Randy Youngman wonders if Bynum's strong play will entice the Orlando Magic. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano provides a few fast-break thoughts. 

--Silver Screen and Roll's Ben R. break down various points from the Lakers-Rockets game. 

Tweet of the Day: "I don't consider the @Lakers a sleeper pick. The Clippers, Spurs & Lakers all have a chance to beat OKC to win the West." --- MagicJohnson (Lakers legend Magic Johnson)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "I couldn't help but smile when The Beast got upset at the end of the half when Kobe wouldn't pass him the ball. The Beast wants it, he's really a superstar Center in the making. He's not being babied anymore so it's all a matter of staying healthy now. Of course he was going again Patrick Patterson and Jordan Hill, but the agressiveness and smarts the Beast plays with is very encouraging. " -- Gilberto Rocky Portillo

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com. Follow the Lakers blog on Facebook.

Photo: Lakers forward Pau Gasol grabs a rebound against the Trailblazers on April 11, 2010. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times