--The Times' Ben Bolch and Mike Bresnahan explain why Lakers forward Pau Gasol isn't worried about all the trade speculation involving him in deals for Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.

--The Times' Bresnahan reports on Jerry Buss' condition after the Lakers owner went to the hospital because of blood clots.

--The Times' Bolch talks to several NBA analysts who think the Miami Heat is the favorite to win the title.

--Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick says the Lakers have a good shot at acquiring Paul. 

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr talks to Andrew Bynum's agent, David Lee, who said no NBA teams have called him about acquiring Bynum. 

--ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Chris Broussard report the New Orleans Hornets are patiently mulling offers for Paul. They write that the Lakers want to offer Gasol as the deal's centerpiece so they can offer Bynum for Howard. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky breaks down Howard's and Paul's stats. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin advises the Lakers should value youth over experience during the free agency sweepstakes. 

--Grantland's Bill Simmons says the Hornets should deal Paul to the Lakers. 

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford examines Gasol's belief that the Lakers can win the championship with their current roster, and explains that Buss' blood clots are likely caused by extensive traveling. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano breaks down the implications of a Howard trade. 

Tweet of the Day: "This new CBA is amazing. It hasn't even been ratified yet and it's completely restored competitive balance to the universe!" -- KBergCBS (CBS Sports' Ken Berger)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "I would prefer lakers getting both Howard and Paul. However, if they can't land both Players, I would rather take Howard, and then get a point guard later. The combination of Howard and Kobe is incredible. I can't wait to see Howard plus Kobe on the court dominating." -- Biar D'Choi Biar

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Dwight Howard's next destination, possible the Lakers, is the talk of the Internet. Credit: Douglas Jones / U.S. Presswire

--The Times' Bill Plaschke argues the Lakers must go after Dwight Howard.

--The Times' Ben Bolch lays out the challenges the Lakers face with the 2011-12 schedule. 

--NBA.com's David Aldridge reports the Lakers are still in the mix for Chris Paul.

--Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick says the Lakers are trailing in the race to land Paul.

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding says the Lakers should hold off on trading Andrew Bynum for Howard. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky looks at free agents who could help the Lakers. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin outlines the toughest stretch the Lakers go through in their 66-game schedule. 

--ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Chris Broussard report teams are skeptical that the Lakers can acquire  both Howard and Paul. 

--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford writes it's likely the Lakers will open training camp with their current roster. 

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell breaks down the Lakers' schedule. 

--Fox Sports' Billy Witz says older teams, such as the Lakers, will struggle with a truncated schedule. 

--Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Paul has indicated that the Clippers and Warriors could increase their chances of landing him by signing free-agent center Tyson Chandler.

--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano believes the Lakers hold the most leverage with free-agent signings. 

RADIO INTERVIEWS

I break down Lakers' trade talk and training camp. with ESPN 1700's Coach Kentura.

Mark Medina on ESPN 1700

Dave Smith is relieved to hear I don't think the Lakers will win the NBA title in an interview with 750 the Game, flagship station of the Portland Blazers.

Mark Medina on Dave Smith Show

Tweet of the Day: "LBJ' comes off likable, human in SC sitdown. Life woulda been so much easier last year by just immediately owning mistake of "Decision." " -- ESPNLandoLakers (ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "At this point in their careers, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard have all the leverage as players. If New Orleans and Orlando aren't careful, both teams are going to lose their respective All Stars to free agency next season and get nothing in return. If not before the trading deadline ends this season, both stars will leave during free agency next July. The point is, that Howard and Paul will play where ever they want to, and there isn't anything the Hornets or Magic can do about it! It's inevitable!" -- Sean Noble

--Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: With Dwight Howard's career in Orlando over, the Lakers need to pounce on the high-profile free agent before another team signs him. Credit: Douglas Jones / U.S. Presswire

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan obtains a copy of the 2011-12 schedule that says the Lakers will play three consecutive games to start the season. Bresnahan also reports the Lakers are "not even close" with possibly acquiring New Orleans guard Chris Paul and that the Lakers haven't reached out to Orlando about Dwight Howard. Bresnahan also reports the Lakers plan to sign Jason Kapono to the veteran's minimum.

-- ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports the Lakers are willing to trade anyone outside of Kobe Bryant to acquire both Howard and Paul. In fairness, SheridanHoops' Mark Heisler reported this nugget on Nov. 28. 

--ESPN.com's J.A. Adande argues superstar players still hold power under the NBA's new labor deal. 

--Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick talked to numerous front-office sources who indicated the Paul-to-Lakers chatter grew louder this week.

-- Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Hornets want Bynum as the trade centerpiece. Wojnarowksi also reported it's possible the NBA may delay the start of training camps.

--Fox Sports' Sam Amico remains skeptical about the NBA superstar movement. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky believes it's unlikely the Lakers can acquire both Howard and Paul.

--NBA.com ranks Kobe Bryant's dunk over Emeka Okafor as the best of last season. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne argues the Lakers need to consult Bryant about possibly acquiring Howard or Paul.

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell reports the Lakers encouraged Bryant to receive an innovative procedure on his right knee in Germany. 

--Silver Screen and Roll's DexterFishmore argues the Lakers may be in a dilemma in pursuing both Howard and Paul. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius Soriano contends that the Lakers' need to upgrade at point guard may be a bit overstated. 

Tweet of the Day: "BYNUM + LAMAR = CP3: Insiders say CP3 is likelier to move. Trade protects Lakes against Drew injury, can still offer Pau for Dwight whenever" -- MWHeisler (Sheridan Hoops' Mark Heisler)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "Having Paul in MB's style of offense would be great. We've been able to use Fish well with the triangle, but that's in effect, gone. So - I am all for giving up Drew for Paul. But, you still have to think about the D, and Drew could block shots. We notoriously just let people into the paint, but at least he had a big body to deter them." -- Jeanne Gully Rugg

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photos: The Lakers are reportedly pursuing New Orleans guard Chris Paul in a trade. Credit:  Los Angeles Times

--Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Lakers and Hornets have been in talks involving Chris Paul. The report states that the Hornets don't want Pau Gasol as the deal's centerpiece, that Kobe Bryant strongly believes the Lakers should keep their current roster intact and that the Lakers have a good chance at securing Dwight Howard. 

--The Times' Ben Bolch explains why the Lakers' free-agent options will prove limited. He also talks with Shannon Brown's agent, Mark Bartelstein, about the chances he returns to the Lakers.

--NBA.com's David Aldridge explains how the Hornets are trying to prevent Paul from leaving them. 

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding reports Metta World Peace won't wear No. 70 this season like he thought he would. 

--Fox Sports believes it's more likely the Lakers acquire Dwight Howard than Chris Paul. 

--Sheridan Hoops' Mark Heisler predicts many of the NBA stars will still flock to big markets. 

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan talks with Lakers forward Luke Walton, who says he won't retire early and isn't concerned about the team possibly cutting him through the amnesty clause. Bresnahan also reports Metta World Peace arrived at the Lakers' facility Thursday heavier than last season.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi hears the crickets chirping Thursday at the Lakers' practice facility. Markazi also argues Dwight Howard would be a perfect fit with either the Lakers or the Clippers.

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding believes Andrew Bynum is primed for his best season yet.

--ESPN.com's John Hollinger comes up with a few trade scenarios involving the Lakers acquiring Howard and Chris Paul (insider subscription required). 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin highlights the importance that Lamar Odom remain consistent this season.

--CBS Sports' Matt Moore wonders if the Lakers should trade Bynum for Howard. 

--NBA.com and NBA TV return to normal and actually feature current NBA players!

--NBA.com's John Schuhmann ranks the Lakers fifth overall in his first set of power rankings. 

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell catches up with Coach Mike Brown about how he gets ready for the 2011-12 season. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's J.M. Poulard reviews Shaquille O'Neal's book. 

Tweet of the Day: "Bulls and Lakers lust after Afflalo, I'm told, but it'll take a cap-room team to assemble an offer good enough to get him out of Denver" -- ESPNSteinLine (ESPN.com's Marc Stein)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "This Lakers team is very good 'as is'. But just as the used car you buy that's sold 'as is', the Lakers have some problems needing fixing with no guarantees of a Championship" -- John Fatland

--Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers forward Luke Walton, who has been an assistant coach at the University of Memphis this fall, will rejoin the team soon to prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Credit: Justin A. Shaw / For The Times.

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan talks to Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak, who expresses confidence in the team's current roster and acknowledges that he wants to "shore up our depth chart." Bresnahan also sizes up some of the current free-agent class.

--CBS Sports' Ken Berger reports that Lakers executive Jerry Buss finally has dropped his opposition to trading center Andrew Bynum "for the right deal." That’s code for "a deal for Dwight Howard," and it’s clear from those familiar with Howard’s thinking that he’d like to join the Lakers.

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr analyzes who was to blame for the NBA lockout.

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe contends that the Orlando Magic should pursue Bynum.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky wonders if Bynum will be able to get the larger role he seeks.

--Fox Sports' Bill Reiter prefers discussing trade rumors than the NBA lockout.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne says Bynum needs to grow up.

--ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Chad Ford report that the Lakers will most likely waive Luke Walton via the amnesty clause.

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell talks to Kupchak, who acknowledges that he wants to upgrade the team's backcourt.

--Silver Screen and Roll's DexterFishmore remains skeptical that Shannon Brown will re-sign with the Lakers.

--Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Spears reports that Chris Paul's agent informed New Orleans officials on Wednesday that his client will not sign a contract extension and wants to be traded to the New York Knicks.

Tweet of the Deal:"Watching Synergy on Bynum reinforces my impression that he is not a very smart defender. Willing, but not smart." — ZachLowe_SI (Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day:"I am not sure why on earth they would want [Shannon Brown] back except for one thing... Baby Buss does not want to spend money so bringing him back is an excuse to fill the roster with low paid players... I can not think of any other reason that Mitch would even bother to call him other then to say bye bye." -- Marty Susman

— Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Credit: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times

* We will have a live chat at 11:30 a.m. And finally, it has nothing to do with labor negotiations. 

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan notes that NBA players can start using team practice facilities beginning Thursday.

--The Times' Broderick Turner profiles the Lakers' D-League team, the D-Fenders.

--NBA.com's David Aldridge details the players' process of re-forming the union. 

--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding reports the Lakers will probably have preseason games against the Clippers, with the first on Dec. 19. Ding also explores the impact the Lakers' Time Warner Cable deal will have on the organization.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky looks at who can back up Kobe Bryant. 

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe explains why fans and the media shouldn't look at the 1999 lockout-shortened season to predict what might happen in the 2011-12 campaign. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin wonders whether Bryant can delay Father Time.

--Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen argues Lakers forward Luke Walton will be cut via the amnesty clause. 

Tweet of the Day: "Union has begun collecting cards players must sign to re-form union, source says. Must do this first, then negotiate new full CBA." -- ZachLowe_SI (Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "I don't feel they will coast, but ... I think they will be forced to use the regular season more as a preseason/practice with MORE emphasis on developing chemistry for the playoffs. Seeding will be low, complaints will be high from us fans. Maybe some more black and blue for our guys in the purple and gold because of the compressed schedule. But ... it will be the right strategy, if ... the Lakers want to go far in the playoffs." -- Fatty

-- Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: New York's Chauncey Billups, left, and Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, right, look on as the Lakers' Derek Fisher, president of the NBA players' union, speaks at a news conference Nov. 14. The players must recertify as a union before they can vote on a new labor deal. Credit: Seth Wenig / Associated Press

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains why the Lakers may have trouble securing so-called "amnesty" players, such as Baron Davis, Brandon Roy or Rashard Lewis.

--Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick obtains a seven-page letter National Basketball Players' Assn. Executive Director Billy Hunter wrote to the players about the steps leading up to training camp beginning Dec. 9.

--The Orange County Register's Carlos Arias reports that Nirra Fields, who has Mike Brown as her legal  guardian, isn't eligible to play for Mater Dei.

--ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports that Chris Paul wants to play for the Knicks. 

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr looks at some of the free agents the Lakers might pursue. 

--Ball Don't Lie's Kelly Dwyer expresses appreciation for Kobe Bryant's work ethic but doesn't consider him to be the greatest Laker. 

--Fox Sports breaks down the winners and losers in the NBA lockout. 

--Sheridan Hoops' Mark Heisler reports the Lakers will try to acquire both Dwight Howard and Paul. 

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe breaks down what the amnesty clause will do to the league. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy Kamenetzky wonders what the Lakers' offense will look like under Mike Brown.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky examines how the new collective bargaining agreement affects the Lakers.

--Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix breaks down the league's top free agents. 

--Pro Basketball Talk's Rob Mahoney believes the Lakers are at a franchise crossroads. 

--NBA.com's Shaun Powell believes Commissioner David Stern has left the league in better shape. 

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell has an extended Q&A with Lakers' play-by-play announcer John Ireland about eating healthy on the road. 

--Forum Blue and Gold's J.M. Poulard reflects on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career.

--Silver Screen and Roll's Ben R. breaks down the CBA. 

Tweet of the Day: "I've been told any deal involving @CP3 is unlikely as long as the NBA is the de facto owner of the Hornets. They don't want that PR mess." -- ChrisMannixSI(Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "Shaq's playing days may be over, but his playing with us, is just getting started. 'The Big Mouth' will always have something to say that is entertaining. This is why I have a 'love/hate' relationship with him. If he wasn't so lovable, you'd want to kill him. - Fatty

--Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Among potential 'amnesty' free agents the Lakers might pursue (from left) are point guard Baron Davis, shooting guard Brandon Roy and forward Rashard Lewis. Photos from Associated Press.

— The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains how the new labor deal might inhibit the Lakers' spending. Bresnahan also reports that the NBA schedule for the abbreviated season will have each team playing at least one set of three games on three consecutive nights.

— True Hoop's Henry Abbott breaks down the winners and losers of the NBA lockout.

— NBA.com's David Aldridge lists 10 things to look forward to in the coming season.

— True Hoop's Kevin Arnovitz previews how the CBA will affect the league six years from now.

— Fox Sports' Sam Amico previews the frantic upcoming month before the NBA season starts.

— The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding tells how the Lakers benefit and suffer from the new collective bargaining agreement.

— ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky analyzes how the compressed schedule will affect the Lakers.

— Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe weighs the pros and cons of a 66-game schedule.

— Sports Illustrated's Michael McCann believes writes about peripheral issues that players and owners still have to iron out.

— Fox Sports' Bill Reiter explains why the NBA needed to start on Christmas Day.

— ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne reports that NBA players are confident the proposed deal will become final.

— Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears lists the top NBA free agents.

— Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports the NBA and players are discussing the formation of a committee to study the minimum age for the league's draft.

Tweet of the Day: "I love that we can argue about basketball now." — teamziller (SB Nation's Tom Ziller)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "The games would actually be better because more rested, more prepared athletes would simply play better. It wouldn't be fair to start a 66-game season on Dec. 25 every year, though, as the compressed schedule probably hurts player performance." — Phred Phredphredington

— Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: When the Lakers and Bulls open the season, Chicago's Derrick Rose could be guarded by Metta World Peace, formerly the defensive stopper known as Ron Artest. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

--The Times' Ben Bolch answers a few lockout-related questions.

--The Times' Bill Plaschke urges fans to boo NBA players for not accepting a deal right away, then forget about it and cheer for them.

--The Times' Mike Bresnahan and David Wharton explain why the owners stand to benefit more from the new labor deal. 

--Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick obtained the official terms of the NBA's tentative labor deal. 

--NBA.com's Steve Aschburner explains how the new labor deal will spread the financial pain among all NBA teams. 

--CBS Sports' Ken Berger says players and owners reached a deal because both sides compromised. 

--New York Times' Howard Beck lists some of the points the players refused to concede in the labor deal. 

--ESPN the Magazine's Ric Bucher reports the NBA owners relented on several issues. 

--New York Daily News' Mitch Lawrence notes NBA Commissioner David Stern didn't get everything he wanted in the new labor deal. 

--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin highlights the Lakers' reactions via Twitter on the NBA lockout ending. 

Tweet of the Day: "BIGGEST WINNER: LAKERS: With sign-trades OK next spring, can offer Bynum for Dwight, Pau for CP3. Or vice versa. Yes, it's occurred to them" -- MWHeisler (Sheridan Hoops' columnist Mark Heisler)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: "Hey owners- you just got 300 million more, mostly by getting the fans to rant about player's greed in this era of economic hardship. So this means ticket prices will go down, right? HAHAHAHAHAHA yeah, I crack me up too sometimes." -- Phred Phredphredington

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, and Commissioner David Stern. Credit: LM Otero / Associated Press