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Kobe Bryant ripped Andrew Bynum in the offseason, but the young center is playing well and the Lakers are a contender, msnbc.com contributor Sam Smith writes.

Q: Is it too late for the Houston Rockets to make a blockbuster trade to improve their mediocre status? If so, will it be Yao or McGrady?
-- Gus, Houston

A: It's hardly too late, though if they do make a trade, it won't be Yao. There clearly seem to be some issues on the team involving McGrady. He doesn't seem comfortable in the new offense, which coach Rick Adelman would like to be more uptempo. McGrady always has seemed more comfortable in a half-court style with the ball, while Adelman likes to have his teams run and pass more. But you don't move a player like McGrady easily. Not only because he makes so much money, but he scores some 25 points per game and if you make such a move, it better be right.

Q: Do you think Pat Riley should step down as Heat coach and get a new one instead? Like Scott Skiles or someone to rejuvenate the squad?
-- Paul Graham Gregorio, Makati City, Philippines

A: I wonder if he'd like to. Riley and Skiles have gotten on good terms in the past few years, though with all the veterans on the Heat, I'd say they go in a different direction for a coach. They need to probably look at some major personnel changes first. I thought Riley would walk happily into the sunset after that 2006 championship, but I think he stayed on out of loyalty to the owner and organization. You can see he's struggling mightily with a team he cannot coach the way he wants because they are old.

Q: Do you think there will be an overhaul at the Bucks? Do you think Andrew Bogut could be traded if his numbers don't rise? What would be an acceptable trade for Bogut?
-- Ben, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

A: The Bucks have been a major disappointment. I don't fully understand why they are playing the way they have, as they have a lot of talent and management kept the team intact and made some nice additions. I don't see them dealing Bogut as he's their only true center, even though he seems more a high post player.

Q: Can people finally start giving the Trail Blazers some respect? It seems that because it is a Northwest team, even back in the glory days of Clyde Drexler, that people always forget this team. Now they have a great core, and a respectful team. On top of that, they compete! What will it take?
-- Brian Gorton, Portland, Ore.

A: It seems to me they are getting a lot of respect. They probably would be getting more if they had Greg Oden. But that winning streak opened a lot of eyes, even if most of the games were at home. Nate McMillan was coach of the month for December. Don't forget, you get respect from winning. This Portland team has yet to win anything or even make the playoffs, so it's a bit premature for them to be on the cover of all NBA literature.

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Nathan Denette / AP

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