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Lakers’ Week 4 in review

Kobe Bryant works in tight quarters against Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo during a Nov. 23 game at Staples Center.
(Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)
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The Lakers improved over Week 4, splitting half of their four games, including two on the road.

By the end of Week 3, the Lakers had fallen to 1-9, with a 136-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors that led Kobe Bryant to wonder, “Maybe I’m being too aggressive.”

The team seemed fractured with “deep-rooted” problems. Additionally, forward Ryan Kelly was knocked out for at least six weeks with a torn hamstring.

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Hitting the road for three games, the Lakers got their second win of the season on Tuesday with a 114-109 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Nick Young made his return from a thumb injury.

Young immediately made an impact, adding a badly needed offensive punch (although the NBA did gave the guard/forward a flop warning). The Lakers also benefitted from Jordan Hill’s improved shooting range.

The Lakers won the following night in Houston, 98-92, against the Dwight Howard-less Rockets.

Now at 3-9, the Lakers improved in the standings but may have hurt their NBA draft positioning.

The winning stopped dramatically on Friday in a loss to the Mavericks in Dallas, 140-106.

Defensively, the team fell apart.

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The Lakers returned home to host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, but the offense stalled and they fell in overtime, 101-94.

The Lakers finished the week 3-11, which may get them back on track when thinking about the long-term future.

The franchise still has a heavy investment in Bryant, who defended his huge contract. The all-star guard will soon pass Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list.

Meanwhile, Coach Byron Scott played phone tag with injured guard Steve Nash.

Wayne Ellington returned to the team after his father’s unexpected death.

Former Laker Pau Gasol has found peace in a change of scenery, signing with the Chicago Bulls over the off-season.

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Jamaal Wilkes auctioned off his Hall of Fame trophy for almost $45,000.

Lakers rookie Jordan Clarkson notched a double-double on assignment with the D-Fenders in the NBA Development League.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus

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