Jan 25, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) shoots over Utah Jazz center Enes Kanter (0) during the first half at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

There comes a time in every player’s career when he just can’t do the things he used to do.  Usually, the decline can be noticed first by watching a players’ rebound totals from season to season.  As the rebounds begin to fall off, so does the rest.

It’s a pretty safe formula for watching a guy devolve into a shadow of the player he once was.

Gasol’s rebounding has declined every season since 2009-10, and this year it is the lowest since 2007-08.

Pau Gasol isn’t quite on “shadow” status yet.  He did just, after all, dominate Team USA in the Olympics in the summer of 2012.  His game is still sharp.  He’s just adjusting to a role that doesn’t best befit his skill set, and also finding that Earl Clark may be on his way to becoming a solid starting power forward for the L.A. Lakers.

Truly, Gasol’s demotion is more about the promotion of Clark than it is rendering Gasol to linger in the Lakers’ second unit.

Moreover, with Jordan Hill out for the season Gasol’s role must change.  The Lakers do need a 7-footer off the bench to man the middle in the second unit.  Also, Howard and Gasol are still seeing minutes together.  Gasol’s benching by no means indicates he cannot play in crunch time when his experience may trump Clark’s superior defensive skill set.

Clark gives the Lakers a look that Gasol can’t.  He matches up very well against the more physical power forwards like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony; and even, not so much the physicality, Kevin Durant.

Jan 25, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) defends against Los Angeles Lakers small forward Earl Clark (6) during the first half at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Clark had a tough time with Durant on Sunday (Jan. 27), but the Lakers emerged victorious on the strength of Clark defense that was just good enough to keep Durant from going totally unchecked.  Teammate Kobe Bryant played pitch perfect defense on Russell Westbrook, and if for one game only, the Lakers looked like the team that many projected them to be prior to the beginning of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Ideally, one must always remember the Lakers are a team with four future Hall of Famers.  At some point, talent is going to win out.  Chemistry takes time to develop, and it’s not as though a team that truly features three alpha dogs (and Steve Nash) is going to suddenly transform into the San Antonio Spurs.

Yet, that is exactly what needs to happen.

Manu Ginobiili has long been a top-10 NBA shooting guard, yet he is a sixth man, and was the example cited by ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy when he said that Gasol must learn from Ginobili.

Why does Pau Gasol insist that he can’t embrace a similar role?  Does he still think he is in the heart of his prime?

They are vastly different players, save the fact that both are international superstars.  Gasol would be doing it to give the Lakers some size off the bench and a more flexible (defensively) starting five.  Ginobili does it to give the Spurs a spark offensively off the bench.

Driving this further is the fact that Gasol could get more touches with the second unit.  Bryant doesn’t rest often, but when he does, Gasol should be on the court.  Mike D’Antoni will be wise to make use of Gasol the most when the other high usage players are off the court.

There’s a place for Gasol, and he’s not requesting a trade, so let’s hope that he embraces a Manu-like role in L.A. for the sake of the Lakers’ playoff hopes.

Nov 28, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

James Harden has quickly become one of the best scorers in the league after a few short seasons. He was once the third option for the Thunder team who played him off the bench. However now, he has become the face of the Houston Rockets’ franchise. Harden wants to play for a competing team but he knows he will need other superstar talent alongside of him to compete against teams like the Heat, Knicks, Lakers, Nets, and even his old team, the Thunder. Yes, he might have Linsanity. He also has the amazing Omer Asik on his team, however by no means is his current team a championship team.

Harden has come out to the media, and said that this team needs to make improvements whether it is midway into the season or in the upcoming summer to help get another all star caliber player to pair alongside the bearded wonder. Even though, Harden is quite correct on his assumption, he is still fully committed to the organization and feels like his current team is heading into the right direction and has pieces for the Rockets to build on in the future. To develop more onto the possibilities, I know five great players in the league right now that can immediately help the Rockets and James Harden compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Nov 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) drives to the baseline past Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Alonzo Gee (33) in the second half at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

1. Josh Smith

I personally think that all of my five players, this one might make the most logistical sense for the Rocket’s organization to make a move for. Smith is only 27 and has raw talent that far exceeds 99% of the league. J-Smooth has an explosive burst, speed, leaping ability. He’s an unpolished version of LeBron James to me with the lack of intangibles and leadership qualities.

What Smith could ultimately provide the Rockets with is his scoring ability. The forward can easily put up 16+ points and can dramatically help the Rockets in their full court offense. Smith and Harden can effectively work with a pick and roll, something in which J-Smooth is superior at.

Josh Smith will be a free agent after this year and it’s pretty evident that his career in Atlanta is over. GM Danny Ferry is looking to rebuild around a team with Jeff Teague and Al Horford. Smith has looked to covet the opportunity of competing for a championship. So why not join James Harden, a top-ten scorer in the league and a great coach in Kevin McHale.

2. Andrea Bargnani

Andrea Bargnani has long been a forgotten name around the NBA circle ever since he was drafted number one overall in 2006. The dude can flat out score. He’s the closest thing to Dirk Nowitzki in the league. I know I’m going to get some hate after that statement, however its hard to deny that. Bargnani can light up the scoreboard with his great perimeter shooting ability and overall technical play.

The Rockets would tremendously need that especially when Harden has off-nights. Its good to know that there is a capable second scoring option behind Harden. Bargnani is also a tall body that can get you some rebounds and maybe get you a block a night. He would be a good fit alongside Omer Asik.

Bargnani doesn’t have the star quality that others on my list have, but that makes him very valuable. Bargnani will clearly not demand as much money as the others and he is a good glove fit for the Rocket’s offense who seem to reliant on James Harden.

3. Brandon Jennings

The curious thing about Jennings is that he might be too much like James Harden. Both Harden and Jennings have capable point guard abilities whether its their elite ball handling and their above average passing, both can definitely handle the ball. Their biggest likeness is their willingness to shoot the ball and the long ball especially. Both can light it up from outside and aren’t shy from driving to the basket.

So the obvious and ignorant answer to this duo might be it’ll never work. However, I don’t think that’s the case. I think Jennings and Harden can work well of each other and develop a new style of basketball with a fast break and full court offensive team.

Well, what about Jeremy Lin. The Rockets would likely trade him. Lin brings in tremendous hype and money to teams that have him. It’ll be relatively easy to trade him to a team looking to get the additional attention.

Jennings had great raw talent and even more has room to grow and to ultimately become one of the league’s best point guard. Jennings needs some guidance and with Coach McHale and the winning nature in which Harden was brought up on, Jennings could see his production skyrocket.

Dec. 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Amar

4. Amaré Stoudemire

Well wouldn’t this be interesting. Amaré Stoudemire in my mind still has tremendous talent, no matter how much the haters feel like he doesn’t. Stoudemire still can make his mid range jump-shot and is devastating in the pick and roll/screen game. It would be very fun to see Harden and Stoudemire working on the screen and roll and it could really make defenses collapse. What Stoudemire brings is his pedigree and even with his many surgeries and health concerns, his excellent athleticism and conditioning.

The Knicks have shown they don’t need Stoudemire to be competitive and they play better because they already have that go-to offensive player in Carmelo Anthony. What separates Harden from Melo is his willingness to pass the ball. When Stoudemire has a great passer on his team, its proven that he plays at an extremely high level and is one of the league’s best big men.

What the Rockets get is a man to fill up the essentially weak power forward position. They have the cap room to make it happen and enough prospects to persuade the Knicks to make a deal. Could it be possible for a Lin-Stoudemire re-union. Only time will tell.

5. Pau Gasol

The one player that has been on the Rocket’s radar the last couple of months has been Pau Gasol. Gasol has essentially worn out his welcome in Los Angeles, and the once favorite Los Angeles Lakers are below .500 and are looking to make a move. Gasol has been the scapegoat for their lack of wins, so its almost predictable that Gasol will be moved.

Why not Houston? Coach Kevin McHale has long been known as one of the best offensive big men in the league, so why not trade for Gasol, who is one of the best players in the paint. Gasol would gain a lot from the former Celtics great, and he would easily maximize his potential in Houston.

Harden would be effective having an inside presence in the middle to allow him to have enough space to shoot his long range jump-shots. Gasol and Omer Asik would make a formidable duo in the middle to counter the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks big men.

If I was part of the Rocket’s management, I would have the Lakers on speed dial, and ask about making  a trade for the Spaniard.

November 7, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) leaves the court as time expires during a game against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz defeated the Lakers 95-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

For Celtics fans, Boston may not have met expectations, especially in the first month of the NBA season. With a record of 10-8, no one expected the Celtics to struggle like they have, and also the way they’ve lost has been concerning, especially for a veteran team like Boston. If there is one thing that at least eases the pain of watching the Celtics struggle, it’s witnessing the Lakers do even worse. After the trade that sent Dwight Howard to LA, everyone believed that the Lakers would be the best in the West, but 19 games into the season, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

These struggles that both Boston and LA have faced are very similar. Both benches are not producing the numbers to help lift the team to victories, and key players are not playing at their best or up to their expectations, like Pau Gasol and Jeff Green. Yet, the Lakers have an outstanding starting five, and to start below .500 is very surprising, but there are a few factors that have come into play for the Lakers.

Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant do not compliment each other well. Unlike the days when Shaq and Kobe were dominating the game, both players’ individual success came from playing with each other. Dwight Howard had already experienced eight successful years in Orlando on his own, and he was their franchise player. You can say that maybe the circumstances were similar to when LeBron James went to Miami, but the biggest difference was that Dwyane Wade was willing to step aside and let James do what he did so well in Cleveland. Unfortunately for Howard, Kobe is not willing to share the spotlight, and for the time being that’s one of the reasons why they’re struggling.

Other factors include a coaching change and Steve Nash’s injury. Without Nash, the Lakers don’t have a field general who can distribute the ball evenly and as a consequence it’s up to Kobe to handle the ball. Also, whether it’s Mike Brown or Mike D’Antoni the Lakers will continue to struggle. D’Antoni’s game style of the run and gun offense won’t work, especially when LA has a center who doesn’t run the floor all that well, and not emphasizing defense enough is a very dangerous game to play when they’re facing a team like Oklahoma City or San Antonio who can both put up points in a hurry.

Nov 30, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the first half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to Boston’s poor start, factors such as age and lack of contributions off the bench have been some of the keys to why the Celtics are 10-8. This year’s team lacks energy, toughness, and the youthful legs for some of the veterans and without that, the Celtics have lost their edge and ability to come away with victories late in games.

Recently, I’ve noticed that a lot of teams are not afraid of Boston anymore. The Brooklyn Nets are a prime example. After that little skirmish between Rajon Rondo and Kris Humphries, the Celtics failed to come out in the second half and throw a figurative punch back. Whether it’s their lack of toughness or the fact that the Nets might be a better team as of right now, Boston has shown no evidence that they are a title contender or even an Atlantic Division champion.

Last night’s games for both the Celtics and Lakers were not enough to convince me that they have what it takes to make it to the Finals, or very far into the playoffs. If by the end of December both teams haven’t either turned it around completely or at least find themselves 5 to 7 games above .500, then they will have to face some adversity to try getting higher seeds in their respected conferences. Both teams have the talent level to turn it around, but time is running out because San Antonio, Oklahoma City, New York, and Miami aren’t waiting, and the longer the Celtics and Lakers struggle the harder it will be to beat these teams in the playoffs.