Lakers’ Week 5 in review

Week 5 opened with news that Kobe Bryant has signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers.

Bryant’s new deal means he will continue to be the NBA’s highest-paid player, but it should also enable to the team to shop for a free agent while retaining some of the current roster.

Coach Mike D’Antoni said Bryant’s extension makes sense, and Pau Gasol noted that he isn’t concerned about his own contract just yet.

Lakers owner/executive Jim Buss said he “didn’t see the point” of waiting to extend the contract of the team’s all-star guard.

Bryant said he’d “run through a wall” to prove the Lakers made the right decision.

The Lakers finished Week 5 with a close loss at home to the Portland Trail Blazers, after a successful 2-1 road trip.

Despite playing short-handed, the Lakers gave the Washington Wizards a challenge before falling short, 116-111.

Even with Bryant recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, the Lakers have managed to hover around .500.

On Wednesday, the Lakers won their first game on the second night of a back-to-back, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, 99-94. Nets Coach Jason Kidd tried to buy a timeout with a “spill,” which only succeeded in drawing a $50,000 fine from the NBA.

The Lakers won their third road game of the season, defeating the Detroit Pistons on Friday, 106-102.

Before the team returned to Los Angeles, rookie forward Elias Harris was waived.

The Lakers’ remaining rookie, Ryan Kelly, filled up the stat sheet with the D-Fenders (in a losing cause).

Despite ankle injuries, Gasol and Jordan Hill were able to play Sunday at home against the Blazers.

Despite twice falling behind by large margins, the Lakers rallied to make it close -- ultimately falling to the Blazers, 114-108.

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