With the All-Star break on the not-so distant horizon, three of California’s teams are in various stages of a positive identity forge, while a fourth remains the stuck in “Fugitive-esque train wreck” mode. (Spoiler alert! The odd team out is the Sacramento Kings!) With that in mind, here’s a look at what’s brewing on the left coast.
Kamenetzky: The Cali Report: What lies ahead?
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Kevin Love out 6-8 weeks with broken hand
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Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love will miss six to eight weeks with a broken hand, the 
team announced Wednesday.
According to a release from the team, Love fractured the third and fourth metacarpal in his right hand while working out.
The plan is for the Team USA member to travel to New York on Thursday to be examined by hand specialist Dr. Andy Weiland at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Love’s injury could be devastating to Minnesota’s postseason hopes. A season ago, they were in the Western Conference playoff hunt when sensational rookie point guard Ricky Rubio went down with a torn ACL.
Even with Love carrying the team on his broad shoulders, the Wolves collapsed without Rubio, losing 20 of their last 25 games to miss the playoffs for the eighth straight year.
Aldridge needs scope on right hip, done for season, Olympics in jeopardy
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Portland Trail Blazers All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge has a labral tear in his right hip requiring surgery and will sit out the rest of the season, the team announced Thursday.
The surgery is an arthroscopic procedure and will be performed by Dr. Marc Phillipon at a later date. Aldridge is expected to be ready for training camp next season, but his chances of making the 2012 United States Olympic team are in jeopardy.
“In his most recent MRI, and following further evaluation, it’s been determined that LaMarcus has a slight labral tear and will require arthroscopic surgery,” Blazers acting GM Chad Buchanan said in a statement.
“LaMarcus’ priority is that he’s 100 percent healthy going into training camp this fall and we all feel this is the best course,” the GM added. “He’s had an All-Star year and his long-term health is the most important thing to consider.”
Aldridge averaged 21.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting a career-best 51 percent from the field this season, his sixth in the NBA. He received the first All-Star berth of his career.
Aldridge is eighth in the NBA in scoring, 14th in shooting and 25th in rebounding. He is the only player averaging 21 points and eight rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the floor.
