Lakers’ Week 4 in review: Three straight losses

The Lakers finished Week 3 with a 97-85 win over the Detroit Pistons, but Week 4 was less fruitful.

On Monday, the Lakers played without Kobe Bryant and fell to the Phoenix Suns, 120-101. Brandon Knight scored 30 points, with his first career triple-double.

Coach Byron Scott noted that the Lakers’ offense looks “more settled” when Bryant is on the floor.

Center Roy Hibbert is doing his best to help protect the rim, and his young teammates. Metta World Peace has a similar role -- even Nick Young is looking to boost the team’s younger players.

Guard Lou Williams is trying to break out of a shooting slump.

The Lakers put rookie guard/forward Anthony Brown on assignment in the NBA Development League with the D-Fenders, where he scored 22 points in his debut.

Brown was recalled by the team Sunday after averaging 18.7 points through three games, while shooting 40% from three-point range with the D-Fenders.

The Lakers fell to the Toronto Raptors, 102-91, behind a big game from guard Kyle Lowry, with Bryant back in the lineup. Bryant said he isn’t concerned about playing too many minutes.

The team drew another big test Sunday with the Portland Trail Blazers and their dynamic guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.

Lillard had a huge night, and once again the Lakers fell, 107-93.

Scott said he wants forward Julius Randle to play harder in games. With the 15-0 Golden State Warriors up next on Tuesday, Scott said the team reminds him of the Lakers ... from the 1980s.

Meanwhile, Larry Nance Sr. got over his dislike of the Lakers when the team drafted his son.

The former Lakers forward shared his life story and brotherly bond with Bryant.

Finally, the Eastern Conference may be closing the gap on the West.

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