One has to think if there is something brewing in Portland that has most of its key players planning to test free agency.

Everyone knows that LaMarcus Aldridge has plans to test the free agent market and now another Blazer could be following his footsteps – Arron Afflalo.

If so, critics believe that Afflalo could be of big use to the Los Angeles Lakers who are in need of a reliable small forward right now. Nick Young used to fill up that void but his performance has been way off from years ago.

In fact there is word that the Lakers may even trade him if something tempting comes up.

Whether Young will stay or not, the Lakers are obviously looking for consistency and someone who has proven firepower. Afflalo can surely fill up that void.

But what may hinder the Lakers in considering Afflalo is the fact that the former product of UCLA comes with a right shoulder injury. The durability part of players that the Lakers are getting will of course play a factor and such could become a setback in case Afflalo does become interested in joining the Lakers.

Whether Afflalo considers the Lakers or not is purely speculation. But with limited options with the free agency, the Lakers may want to take a closer look at Afflalo.

For his part, Afflalo is likely to seek a long-term deal once he opts out of his contract with the Blazers. Of course Portland can choose to offer him that but with a right shoulder injury, such could make teams think twice.

The Blazers seemed to be on the rise until Aldridge made it known that he will be testing free agency. And no Afflalo will follow suit. Could a third player crop up too? No one knows.

There is that scenario that both Aldridge and Afflalo would remain in Portland of course.