When Andrew Bynum went down with a knee injury on Tuesday night, the Lakers and their fans must have had a similar feeling.

Neither Bynum or Furcal are their team’s best players, but both are crucial pieces if either team is to make a serious run. While the Lakers proved they could still win with a less-than-100-percent Bynum last year, the Dodgers have never been able to maintain success without their oft-injured starting shortstop in the lineup.

While Bynum’s injury will not keep the Lakers from trying to contend, the questions need to be asked of the Dodgers: is it time for more young players to get some time? Do the Dodgers think they will realistically compete for a title with an infield of James Loney, Aaron Miles, Jamey Carroll, and Juan Uribe?

If Furcal is really out for longer than six weeks or if the Dodgers start to fall off-track, why not get some additional major league experience for Ivan De Jesus and Dee Gordon? Gordon may still be developing, but Dodger fans should not be content with the infield described above whether or not Casey Blake is included.

Even with Furcal, the Dodgers didn’t have a lineup that scared very many other teams. Without Furcal in the lineup, I would be pleasantly surprised with even a .500 record…

As for the Lakers and their fans, the waiting game has begun. Will he be back for the playoffs? What will the Lakers look like if Bynum cannot return or returns with only limited effectiveness?

Los Angeles sports fans can take solace in that at least one professional team in Los Angeles has questions that are really intriguing.