NBA Rumors and News Roundup: Dwight Howard Lakers-Magic Trade Update and More

Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum go head-to-head on Friday night, and the trade rumors surrounding the Orlando Magic star will certainly be at the center of discussion.

The Lakers need to make adjustments to the current roster in order to realistically compete for a championship, and the chatter surrounding that idea has significantly increased recently.

There were only three games on the docket on Thursday night, but there is a full slate of action on Friday and there are a lot of questions around the league waiting to be answered.

Spencer Hawes

Hawes has been dealing with a couple of injuries early during his surprising season, and the team has been very careful in its approach to treating him.

After healing from a lower back strain, Hawes has been dealing with an Achilles strain, and the latter is likely to keep him out of Friday's game.

He's been very good for the team this season, and there is just no reason to force him onto the court right now at anything less than 100 percent.

Vince Carter

Carter's foot injury looked like it could've been a big one for the Mavericks, but it sounds as if the veteran escaped any sort of serious concern.

His mild-foot sprain will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and it will "take some time" before Carter is able to return to the rotation.

The injury gives Lamar Odom a chance for an increased role and an opportunity to turn around his slow start to the season.

O.J. Mayo

Mayo had been a topic of discussion for a potential trade between the Grizzlies and Nets, but it doesn't appear that there is much traction to the rumor right now.

Trade talks between the two teams have broken off for the time being, but Mayo is still undoubtedly a candidate to be dealt before the deadline.

The Grizzlies have shown no interest in extending him before he hits restricted free agency in the offseason.

Brook Lopez

Lopez hasn't made his debut this season due to a stress fracture in his foot suffered just before the regular season began, but he's not far off from hitting the court.

After getting up shots at practice on Thursday and having shed his walking boot earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Lopez is right on schedule in his recovery and remains two to four weeks away from rejoining his team.

His previously estimated return was right around February 10, so the timetable listed above meshes with that date perfectly.

Devin Harris

Harris hasn't developed into the point guard of the future the Jazz had hoped when acquiring him in the Deron Williams deal.

With $8.5 million owed to him for the 2012-13 season, Utah has reportedly placed Harris on the trading block.

He's been really underwhelming this season despite Utah's early season success, and it's not a good sign that he's being outplayed by his backup Earl Watson.

Eric Gordon

Gordon has played in just two regular season games to date for the Hornets, and he has garnered a reputation of being an injury-prone player early in his career.

The main get in the Chris Paul trade, Gordon still has no timetable for when he'll be cleared to play, and the Hornets have to be hoping that it's soon considering how badly the team is struggling on offense.

A restricted free agent at the end of the year, Gordon will be looking to command major money in the offseason.

Rajon Rondo

Rondo took a nasty tumble to the ground on Wednesday night against the Raptors and was labeled as day-to-day after X-rays revealed nothing broken in his wrist.

However, Doc Rivers revealed on Thursday that Rondo was scheduled to undergo an MRI examination and was considered doubtful for Friday.

The Celtics simply can't afford a long-term absence to the most important player on the team, and it will be interesting to see how the offensive attack is impacted by Rondo not being on the floor.

Dwight Howard

Getting tired of the Dwight Howard trade rumors? This won't be the last one before the March 15 deadline.

There is a ton of speculation surrounding Howard being dealt to the Lakers in a package for Andrew Bynum, but the two teams may not be talking about a deal currently.

It's reportedly been "a while" since the two parties have discussed anything on the Howard front, and it's obvious the Magic will exhaust every avenue before pulling the trigger on any trade.

New rumors will continue to churn from the mill, but that is about all that is currently happening.