Lakers’ Week 23 in review

After an overtime win in Philadelphia over the 76ers, the Lakers finished Week 23 with three straight losses.

In Philadelphia, Jordan Clarkson hit a last-second shot to give the Lakers a 113-111 victory, which actually hurt the team’s chances in the lottery.

Those obsessed with the Lakers position in the draft may want to recognize the growth of Clarkson through his rookie season -- not that draft position is unimportant.

Clarkson was named the Western Conference rookie of the month for March. The Missouri product is under contract for another season, then he’ll become a restricted free agent.

The visit to Philadelphia was bittersweet for guard Wayne Ellington, who was missing his late father.

The Lakers returned home after a five-game road trip, only to fall to the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-92.

Clarkson had another strong performance, but the Lakers weren’t able to stay close to the Pelicans. The team also lost Ellington to a shoulder injury, yet another player done for the season.

The team continued to struggle, dropping another game to the Portland Trail Blazers, 107-77, falling behind both early and late.

On Sunday, The Clippers dominated the Lakers, 106-78, in a snapshot of two teams in very different positions.

Throughout the week, Coach Byron Scott tried a variety of lineups, at times sitting healthy players.

The Lakers waived retiring veteran guard Steve Nash to make room for rookie Jabari Brown. Brown signed a contract that runs through the end of next season.

The team also added point guard Dwight Buycks, on a 10-day contract.

Nick Young officially declared his season is finished due to a knee injury.

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