Lakers Week 15 in review: Kobe Bryant returns to form

The Lakers entered Week 15 with 10 straight losses, in danger of setting a franchise record with an 11th.

Coach Byron Scott said the team acts like they’re “strangers” on the court, and that he won’t ease up on the Lakers’ youngsters.

On Tuesday, the team rallied behind 38 points from Kobe Bryant, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 119-115.

Scott said he appreciated a vintage Kobe Bryant performance. The team’s veteran All-Star continued to shine Thursday in New Orleans in a win over the Pelicans, 99-96.

The Lakers traveled to play the Spurs on Saturday in Bryant’s final game in San Antonio. Bryant almost helped the Lakers get the upset, but the Spurs survived, 106-102.

Meanwhile, second-year guard Jordan Clarkson was selected to participate in the All-Star skills challenge, where he’ll also compete in Friday night’s rookie/sophomore game alongside teammate D’Angelo Russell.

Scott noted that Russell is slightly behind where he thought he would be at this point in the season.

The Lakers have a 19.9% chance of winning the NBA draft lottery, competing against teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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