Q: Among the veteran free agents this year, who would you say would not surprise you if they signed for significantly less with the Lakers in exchange for a chance to win a championship?
— Oliver Santos, Covina, Calif.

A: Uh, no one.

The Lakers not only find themselves in a difficult tax and cap position, but also with limited roster space.

Already under contract for next season are Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, Adam Morrison, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton and Sun Yue. That's eight. Then you have Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza and their new paydays, to bring the total to 11.

Beyond that, the Lakers have a decision to make with Shannon Brown, who proved his value during the run through the Western Conference playoffs.

If anything, the Lakers either will retain D.J. Mbenga or replace him with another minimum-salary type in the middle, perhaps a Jamaal Magloire.

In addition, the Lakers already have Josh Powell signed to a non-guaranteed commitment.

The chemistry was so good last season, and the triangle offense so difficult to learn, that it wouldn't be surprising to see the Lakers bypass the temptation of adding a Mitch Richmond type, another respected veteran seeking a seat at the end of the bench and a shot at a ring.

In these economic times, it also would not be surprising to see even the Lakers carry fewer than the maximum 15 players.

Q: Should the Trail Blazers consider trading Greg Oden, and if so, would any team be willing to give up much in exchange?
— David Nielsen, Portland, Ore.

A: First, to address the subtext of this question: Yes, Joel Przybilla was the better center last season, and, yes, LaMarcus Aldridge was the Blazers' best big man.

Then, to address the second part of your question: No, there are way too many doubts for Portland to receive anything close to the promise that Oden still could offer.

Actually, Nate McMillan finds himself in a decent place with Oden. He can continue to rely on Przybilla and then consider whatever he gets from the 2007 No. 1 overall pick a bonus.

If nothing else, this past draft showed how difficult it is to find a true center. Even with his injury past, Oden possesses far more potential than the Grizzlies likely ever will realize with 2009 No. 2 overall pick Hasheem Thabeet. Oden can score. The same is not a guarantee with Thabeet.

Q: What in the world can the Suns do to return to respectability?
— Jay, Mountain Home, Ark.

A: Probably what Steve Kerr is doing, tearing it all apart.

For now, it’s all about the blame game, and exactly who signed off on the disastrous acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal.

What doesn't make sense is the plan to rebuild behind Steve Nash. No offense, but recall that before losing Nash to the Suns, the Mavericks had their doubts about how much Nash would have left at this stage.

The decision to dangle Amare Stoudemire makes sense. For all his skills, Stoudemire has never stood as someone who presented long-term stability.

The problem was that dropping into the lottery, by itself, did not lead to the type of draft pick that produces revival. In other words, it likely has to get even worse before it gets better.

It is remarkable how much Phoenix simply has given away from what stood as a highly competitive team: Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Mike D'Antoni and, now, perhaps Stoudemire.

The sense is that Kerr oversees the further deconstruction and then steps aside for someone to build it back up.

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