NBA Rumors and News Roundup: Eric Gordon's Knee Surgery, Melo on Linsanity, More

The diagnosis of Eric Gordon's knee injury continues to take unexpected turns, and David Stern is in a very difficult position regarding Gordon's future with the New Orleans Hornets.

Kobe Bryant gave an interesting response when asked about his Lakers potentially signing Gilbert Arenas, and Brook Lopez is anxious to return to action for the New Jersey Nets.

Carmelo Anthony talked about Jeremy Lin, J.R. Smith is almost ready to return to the NBA and there is plenty of action throughout the league as we approach the All-Star break.

Gilbert Arenas

Arenas held a workout for the Lakers in Los Angeles but left without a contract.

However, that doesn't mean that the team is turning its back on the possibility of adding the veteran point guard at some point in the near future.

Kobe Bryant said that Arenas' addition "wouldn't hurt" and added that Arenas would bring "hibachi" to the Lakers.

Given the struggles the Lakers have had at point guard this year, GM Mitch Kupchak is right to exhaust all of his options.

J.R. Smith

Smith is in his final days in China, and there is already some strong interest in his services before he even returns to the United States.

The Los Angeles Clippers had interest in Smith even before Chauncey Billups was lost for the season, and now Chris Paul appears primed to put on the full-court press.

After having a serious role in the recruitment of Kenyon Martin, Paul said that he feels Los Angeles' chances of adding Smith are "very high," and it's worth noting that Randy Foye has struggled in a starting role this season.

Gerald Henderson

Henderson has been one of the few players who have shown some promise this season in Charlotte, and the Bobcats have really struggled offensively without him in the lineup.

Still recovering from a hamstring strain, "Hendo" could be back by the end of the week if everything goes right and his injury responds well to increased activity.

He's made great strides in his game this season.

Zach Randolph

The Grizzlies have really missed Randolph since he sustained a torn MCL, but Z-Bo is looking to make a triumphant return next month.

After being cleared for non-contact work, Randolph will ramp up his rehab and re-enter the starting five as soon as he possibly can for Memphis.

The team is going to get a major boost when he's able to get back onto the court, and barring a setback, he's poised to do exactly that long before the regular season ends.

Brook Lopez

Lopez has been out since just before the season began with a broken foot, but he's clearly anxious to return to the court.

"I don't really think there's anything (left to do)," said Lopez of his rehab, and Nets fans are eager to see the big man get back into the mix as soon as possible.

Given the issues New Jersey has had in the middle this season with an uninspiring combination of Mehmet Okur and Johan Petro, Lopez can't get back soon enough for the Nets.

Carmelo Anthony

Melo's groin injury has kept him off the court in the middle of Linsanity, but he's chomping at the bit to return to a lineup that now has a point guard capable of spacing the floor.

The Knicks are looking for his return toward the end of the week, and the club isn't likely to rush him before he's ready given the tricky nature of groin injuries.

Anthony has been banged up with a variety of ailments this year, but he should come back feeling refreshed after spending some time on the sidelines.

Derrick Rose

Rose's back spasms had many Bulls fans worried that it could be a long-term issue, but that's simply not the case.

Although Rose said that he's dealt with his back woes for a while, a more in-depth look revealed nothing more than spasms and confirmed that his back is structurally sound.

Chicago is a talented team that boasts a great deal of depth, but any long-term injury to Rose would have been catastrophic.

Eric Gordon

David Stern's trade for Chris Paul is looking increasingly worse as the season moves forward.

Gordon has played in just two games for New Orleans all season due to ongoing knee problems, and now he's not a sure bet to play again this season.

The Hornets announced that Gordon would undergo arthroscopic surgery and will be sidelined for another six weeks, and it makes the initial diagnosis of a "bruise" questionable at best.

Team doctors previously told Gordon that his knee would be "100 percent sound" with rest, so there is good reason to raise an eyebrow in skepticism toward this situation.