Q: Why is it that the Spurs are not making any moves? They obviously need a lot of help and Pau Gasol would have been a great boost had they tried to acquire him. Any take on their situation?
— Ram, Kerala, India

A: We're at the annual time of year when the Spurs are too old, too slow and unathletic. Then comes the playoffs and Tim Duncan. Coach Gregg Popovich is now so good and confident he can rest his players without recrimination throughout the season and does the best job at it. The Spurs are not in great position to make moves with an untouchable Big Three making virtually all the money and a solid group of role players. They are an excellent organization and Popovich and R.C. Buford don't spend all the time telling everyone how good the so-called Spurs way is. They could tweak something, but hardly have the need for a major change.

Q: With so many teams that need a point guard, what's up with Steve Francis? No way the guards Houston has are better than him.
— Craig, Gaithersburg, Md.

A: I've wondered about him as well. He's way down the list at Houston and I do believe he could help a team. But he's probably not in great shape for playing so little and got a bad rap as disruptive elsewhere. I think he gets a shot somewhere next season.

Q: Is LeBron closing the gap on Kobe? Heck, has he already surpassed Kobe?
— Bryant, Chicago

A: I don't see it quite yet, but you are right, LeBron has been terrific this season. Also, he's been much less of a difficult person to be around. Perhaps it was the Olympic experience, but he was much nicer to others last summer and it's carried over into this season. More importantly, he's improved his shot, if not completely his late game free throwing. It shows how much he wants to be better, but I'd still take Kobe. Though LeBron is closing the gap.

Q: What do you think the Bobcats will do before the trading deadline? Will Michael Jordan change the current roster? I believe that they just need time to come together as a team. They have a great starting five.
— Carl Chavez, Manila, Philippines

A: They have made some moves that have helped a bit in Jason Richardson and Nazr Mohammed. But they are a financially careful organization. The probably don't see the chance for much or any playoff run, so I suspect they will sit on their money, get another draft pick and cap room and wait for Adam Morrison to return. The test for them is whether they'll spend the money.

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