Lakers’ Week 5 in review: Kobe Bryant announces impending retirement

The Lakers finished Week 4 with a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Heading into Week 5, rookie D’Angelo Russell said he’s still trying to earn respect from his veteran teammates.

Coach Byron Scott said he was upset with his team’s play, though the Lakers didn’t have much time to improve, drawing the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Could the Lakers beat the NBA’s best team?

“I’ve seen stranger things happen,” said Kobe Bryant.

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The result was predictable. With former Lakers forward Luke Walton as fill-in coach, the Warriors established an NBA record for best start ever, beating the Lakers’ 111-77.

Scott said he was impressed by the Warriors, but he gave an edge to his ‘80s Lakers.

Despite Bryant’s struggles on the court, Scott said he’s not going to reduce the All-Star’s role or minutes.

While some in NBA circles suggested Bryant should retire, the five-time champion initially kept his plans close to the vest.

Scott debated whether to play Bryant in the team’s back-to-back set against the Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers lost their second game in a week to the Blazers on Saturday, 108-96, playing without veteran guard Lou Williams after the passing of his grandfather.

Center Roy Hibbert got to face his former team on Sunday, the Indiana Pacers, although the moment was overshadowed by Bryant’s announcement.

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Prior to the game, Bryant revealed that he will retire after the season, finally surrendering to his basketball mortality and declining skills.

The news drew a widespread reaction both from fans and Bryant’s NBA peers.

Bryant distributed a letter of thanks to the Staples Center crowd on Sunday, as the Lakers lost a close one to the surging Pacers.

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor got into an off-court scuffle in Boston.

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