The Games:
Lakers: vs. Golden State, Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. ET; vs. Portland, Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Knicks: at Milwaukee, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET; at New Jersey, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The Question:
Which player will have the bigger impact when he returns from injury?

Patrick Ewing		Kobe Bryant
HT: 7-0 | WT: 255 | AGE: 37 | YR: 15 By Kevin Loughery Special to ESPN.com A lot of people were saying the New York Knicks didn't miss Patrick Ewing because they had so much success in the playoffs when he got hurt last year, but I think he would be a tremendous addition for the Knicks. Ewing obviously gives the Knicks strength in the middle with his ability to block shots. His biggest asset, however, is that he will command a double team in the post, freeing up easy shots for his teammates. Ewing also plays hard every night and it will be very interesting to see how he is physically after being out for so long. The Knicks, without Ewing, did not dramatically change their game as much as people thought. They are really not a running team. They are still one of the teams that will grind it out and play like they did with Ewing. In the past Van Gundy has made Ewing the total focus of the offense. Many people feel he is obligated to Ewing to go in the same direction because Ewing has done so much for him. If they still gear their offense to Ewing, the big adjustment will be for Latrell Sprewell, because he was the focus of the offense even more so than Allan Houston, who doesn't take as many shots as Sprewell. Sprewell will have to adapt to Ewing's presence. With Ewing, the Knicks will be much improved. He should be able to co-exist with Sprewell. The biggest challenge for coach Jeff Van Gundy will be to keep the players happy. Ewing's return will take minutes away from certain players. Marcus Camby had been playing extremely well, even though he is hurt and did not play Tuesday night. If Ewing is healthy and can play at his former level, I think the Knicks are the second-best team in the East behind Miami. The Heat still have the best talent. But with Ewing back, the Knicks feel they can beat Miami because they have done it in the past.		HT: 6-7 | WT: 215 | AGE: 21 | YR: 4 By Dr. Jack Ramsay Special to ESPN.com Kobe Bryant is a highly skilled player. Now that he is returning to the lineup, what he must do is fit himself into the team game the Los Angeles Lakers are playing -- and playing very well. Bryant's adjustment may not be an easy task. When Phil Jackson took the Lakers' coaching job, I think he initially envisioned Bryant as a player who could play a similar role that Michael Jordan had with the Bulls. Within the offense, Bryant would have the option to either break down a defense, go one on one or post up. Bryant is a complete player, multitalented in that he can do everything on the court. He can shoot from long range, drive to the basket and post up a defender. He can also pass when he is under control, and defend. But I don't know how the Lakers can accommodate him and Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal, who is playing at a high level, is the focal point of the Lakers' attack -- and should be. Glen Rice is another coaching problem in that he needs his shots as well. So Jackson has three players who all need attention in the offense. They all can't be "the guy," even though they would all like to fill that role. With Bryant in the lineup, the Lakers are a better team, but it depends on how well he adjusts to the team and the team adjusts to him. It could be a disruption. O'Neal and Bryant have yet to play well together, showing a lack of great on-court harmony. I think Shaq feels Kobe tries to do too much with the ball, and Kobe probably feels he doesn't get enough opportunity with the ball. Jackson has a blending job to do. It is a pleasant dilemma for a coach to have three talented players, but they must buy into Jackson's team-first mentality. Right now the Lakers are playing well together. Bryant must recognize that O'Neal should be the principal scorer. But down the stretch, when the Lakers don't want Shaq at the free-throw line, then Kobe can step up and be the creator of plays for himself and his teammates. Bryant has a world of talent. Ultimately, Jackson will make Bryant fit into the system. He is very good at dealing with players individually and getting players to play within a team structure. He has done it all his coaching career.