Los Angeles Lakers: Projecting the Opening Day Starting Lineup

The Los Angeles Lakers players and organization are in such malaise and confusion right now that it's nearly impossible to predict how the starting lineup will look on Christmas Day against the Chicago Bulls.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol have been involved in trade rumors, and Lamar Odom was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the team in a scramble.

That being said, it doesn't hurt to imagine what the Lakers lineup will look like two weeks from now.

C: Dwight Howard

The Lakers find themselves in a better position to land Dwight Howard with the traded player exception they received in the Lamar Odom deal.

Because of the traded player exception, the Magic will be able to save a lot of money and open up plenty of cap space if they deal Howard to the Lakers.

Opening up cap space might be a lot more enticing for the Magic. They won't get that break if they trade him to the Nets. 

Howard has also been open about playing with the Lakers on numerous occasions. 

The Lakers may have to make a three- or four-team deal in order to land Howard. They'll most likely have to give up Andrew Bynum, several first-round picks and the traded player exception.

The only question that remains is which teams will be involved in the trade.

PF: Pau Gasol

Andrew Bynum makes more sense for the Magic than Pau Gasol because of Bynum's youth and his physicality. There are times when Gasol becomes Ga-"soft," and he has a lot more mileage than Bynum. 

Gasol doesn't seem too disappointed regarding the trade rumors. He didn't cry on any radio show and has been cooperative and understanding of the business that is the NBA.

Finally, any chance to land Chris Paul is dead, which means the Lakers will probably look into free agency or a smaller trade to get a point guard.

SF: Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace enters camp happy that he signed such a massive contract several years ago. No team wants that contract, and because of this, it's highly unlikely he gets dealt before Christmas.

Expect World Peace to suit up with his unusual name on the back of his jersey and to provide Laker fans with great defense and wild humor throughout the rest of his contract.

SG: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is the only untouchable Laker on the roster today. He'll be occupying the shooting guard position for the Lakers once again.

The Lakers organization needs to make some big-time acquisitions to keep Kobe happy because he voiced discontent today while addressing the media.

PG: Gilbert Arenas

Chauncey Billups is going to the Clippers. Baron Davis is likely going to the Knicks. Chances of landing Chris Paul are extremely low.

The Lakers have to look at some other options. The price for Steve Nash in Phoenix may be a little too steep. Nash is also an aging point guard who can't play defense.

Gilbert Arenas makes the most sense. So what if he's a head case? So was Artest back when his name was Artest. He is open to play with Howard and welcomes LA with open arms.

The Lakers could sign Arenas to a three-year deal and make a strong effort for Deron Williams when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. Arenas can then move to the bench and provide the Lakers with solid depth.