Traditionally, the All-Star game is played after the first half of the NBA season, but this year there’s just a third of the season left before the playoffs. Will the Lakers make it that far? They say they can’t find their identity, and with all of the ongoing injuries, can they hit .500 this year? Lebron James hints he would rather be back in Cleveland, and his 17-year-old son Bronnie, who’s still in high school, has signed an NIL (Name/Image/Likeness) deal with an underwear company. Could Bronnie soon be drafted into the NBA and play a season with his dad?

In college hoops, it’s UCLA vs. Oregon and USC vs. Oregon St. on Thursday. The Bruins are three-point favorites and have something to prove in this meeting up in Oregon, as the Ducks beat them in overtime in their last meeting at Pauley. The USC team has played well this season, with the school’s 2nd best record since the 70s, but will coach Andy Enfield be going to Maryland next year?

In the latest TV commentator shuffle, Troy Aikman is most likely leaving Fox Sports and going to ESPN. Could he surpass Tony Romo’s 18-game paycheck of $17-18M on CBS and make $25M for his 18? If Al Michaels leaves Sunday Night, he may go to Amazon or ESPN. Will he join Troy Aikman?

The Winter Olympics on NBC suffered in the ratings, down 40 percent from 2018. Why did viewers shy away from the games this year? Was it because of Covid and restrictions on the athletes? The relationship between the USA and China? Or was the 16-hour time differential a big factor for California?

The MLB talks go on. The owners say if there’s not a deal by Monday, they will cut back on the 162-game schedule. First-year players are looking for a raise from their minimum salary of $600K to $750K. Can there be enough compromises made at the bargaining table to get the season started on time? What does the future look like for Trevor Bauer? Will he remain with the Dodgers or be traded away, and will the MLB suspend him even without criminal litigation?

Email Fred with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com