Editor's Note: Lakers Need to Hit Road Back

The Los Angeles Lakers will embark on one of the toughest road trips of their season, and find themselves in a struggle for the best record in the NBA. A big seven-game road trip is just around the corner, in which LA will travel to seven states in 12 days. But for now, the Lakers must focus on getting through their upcoming three-game trip. They schedule will pit them against Portland, Houston, and San Antonio, three top-tier teams in the West. LA cannot hold back, waiting for their next trip on the road. The next three games will be crucial in proving they can handle the Western Conference's best on the road, especially without Andrew Bynum. The bench must play a critical part, especially DJ Mbenga. Mbenga is the automatic backup-center after the Chris Mihm-trade, and must truly fill in for Pau Gasol to make a difference in games. He has the potential to be a stellar center, and can be one with enough playing time. He's got that playing time now, and he, along with the rest of the Lakers, must hit the road running to show the country they can handle anything.