Lakers’ Week 18 in review

The Lakers ended Week 16 with an overtime win over the Boston Celtics (23-34), building a three-game winning streak through Week 17 before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder (33-27) on Sunday.

After the win over the Celtics, Nick Young and Jordan Hill turned off Kobe Bryant and Coach Byron Scott after a “distasteful” celebration during the television broadcast.

Robert Sacre and Young missed practice early in the week, undergoing MRI tests. Though neither had serious injuries, Young was sidelined with a knee problem.

Ronnie Price was lost for the season, undergoing elbow surgery to remove a bone spur.

The Lakers outlasted the Jazz, 100-97, getting their second straight win but causing great angst for some fans who prefer the team to lose in order to improve draft position.

After a fourth-quarter rally, the Lakers defeated the Bucks, 101-93, for a third win in a row.

The Lakers have shown improvement defensively, while getting strong performances from Jeremy Lin and Jordan Clarkson.

Clarkson has thrived as a score-first point guard. The rookie credits his success to his teammates, notably veteran forward Carlos Boozer.

Scott said the Lakers never moped after losing streaks. The team finally fell on Sunday to the Thunder, 108-101.

Presuming the Lakers keep their first-round pick, which could go to the Philadelphia 76ers (via the Phoenix Suns) if it’s not a top-five selection, Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns might be just what the Lakers need. Teammate Willie Cauley-Stein poses a double threat of defense and dunks.

Kobe Bryant’s Showtime documentary, “Muse,” debuted on Saturday.

In interviews, the veteran all-star confirmed that he wanted a trade to the Chicago Bulls in 2007.

He also noted he’s still upset over the vetoed trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers (instead of the Clippers).

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