Portland reportedly interested in interviewing Mitch Kupchak

--ESPN.com’s Chris Broussard and Marc Stein report that the Portland Trail Blazers have a strong interest in interviewing Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak for their vacant GM position.

--The Times’ Mike Bresnahan argues the Lakers must find a way to maintain balance upon Kobe Bryant’s return to the lineup.

--The Orange County Register’s Janis Carr looks at the biggest surprises surrounding the Lakers’ season.

--The San Antonio Express-News’ Jeff McDonald explains why the Spurs want to play the Lakers with Bryant in the lineup.

--Fox Sports’ Billy Witz reports it’s unlikely Andrew Bynum would play in the 2012 Olympics as an additional player.

--Forum Blue and Gold’s J.M. Poulard argues the Lakers are a contender.

--Silver Screen and Roll’s wondahbap believes the Lakers are ready for the playoffs.

Tweet of the Day: “Not impossible for Andrew Bynum to be invited as an Olympic finalist. That’s a call Jerry Colangelo would have to make.” -- ArashMarkazi (ESPN Los Angeles’ Arash Markazi)

Rick Friedman Reader Comment of the Day: “I’m beginning to think the Lakers and Clippers are the teams to beat in the Westen Conference playoffs. Look at Andrew Bynum out there! It’s like the second coming of Shaq. He’s huge! Who’s going to stop that?” -- Jon K