Lakers Week 16 in review: Kobe Bryant’s final All-Star appearance

The Lakers played only two games in Week 16, as the NBA took a break for All-Star weekend in Toronto.

On Monday, the Lakers fell to the Indiana Pacers, 89-87. Kobe Bryant got red-hot with his outside shot, but cooled off in the final minutes.

On Wednesday, Bryant made his final career appearance in Cleveland against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, now coached by former Lakers guard Tyronn Lue, jumped out early and finished off the Lakers, 120-111.

Bryant was well reeived by the media before he made his 18th and final All-Star appearance in Sunday’s game at Toronto.

Bryant finished the game with 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds as the Western squad beat the East, 196-173.

D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson enjoyed participating in the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge on Friday.

Byron Scott said Russell is not as mature as a rookie as Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving were, in Scott’s previous stops as coach.

Meanwhile, second-year forward Julius Randle continues on upswing as a starter with rookie Larry Nance Jr. sidelined by a sore knee.

Shaquille O’Neal was named as a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lakers co-owner Jim Buss is asking for $8.8 million for his penthouse at L.A. Live.

Finally, rumors surround big names as the NBA’s trade deadline approaches Thursday.

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