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Lakers in review

Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson tries to score on a layup against Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas in the first half.

Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson tries to score on a layup against Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas in the first half.

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
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The Lakers’ season ended in mid-April with a 122-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings, their 61st defeat of the year against 21 wins.

After the players met with General Manager Mitch Kupchak, Coach Byron Scott and the media, the Lakers disbanded for the offseason.

Forward Ed Davis indicated that he’ll opt out of his contract for next season, but prefers to stay with the Lakers in free agency.

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The NBA handed out a number of awards for the year, few with any mention of the Lakers, although Jordan Clarkson finished seventh in rookie of the year voting.

Kupchak wasn’t named executive of the year, but did tie for 10th overall.

Former Lakers All-Star Pau Gasol won the 2014-15 Magic Johnson Award, given out by the Professional Basketball Writers Association for his “cooperation and dignity in dealing with the media and the public.”

Rookie Jabari Brown was recognized for his time in the NBA Development League, named to the “All-NBA D-League Third Team.”

Injuries were a major factor for the team through the 2014-15 season, with players missing 339 games to injury, and 355 in total.

Meanwhile, Hall-of-Fame Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar underwent heart surgery. Former guard Javaris Crittenton pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

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With the Lakers dormant, the Clippers have made inroads in Los Angeles with a strong playoff run.

Chris Paul chose to play through a hamstring strain, after sitting two games. Lakers forward Ryan Kelly went through something similar earlier in the year, suffering a setback that knocked him out for six weeks.

Finally, the Lakers are waiting until the May 19 NBA draft lottery to determine whether they’ll keep their first-round pick. The team can find value in interesting places in the draft, with some luck and quality scouting.

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

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