It’s two tales of one city as the NBA trade deadline quickly approaches and the Lakers and Clippers appear to be headed in two different directions in Los Angeles.

The Lakers have a star-studded lineup but are currently out of the playoff picture, which has many wondering if the team will keep Dwight Howard long-term or perhaps look to trade him. Multiple sources report that Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, in particular, question Howard’s commitment to winning.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Staples Center, there is no question at all about Chris Paul, who like Howard will be a free agent this summer. Paul is not only expected to re-sign with the Clippers, he is also recruiting future free agents to the team.

— Bill Ingram