Lakers’ Week 7 in review: Road trip ends with one win in eight tries
Rockets guard James Harden and Kobe Bryant cross paths on the court during a game Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston.
The Lakers ended a lengthy eight-game road trip on Saturday, finishing Week 7 with a 3-21 record.
The team started the week in Toronto with a lineup change against the Raptors. Coach Byron Scott moved Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell to the bench for Larry Nance Jr. and Lou Williams.
The Raptors pulled away to win, 102-93.
General Manager Mitch Kupchak said fans should blame him for the team’s struggles. Some prefer to blame the coach or the aging star Kobe Bryant.
Perhaps the Lakers’ most important goal for the season is keeping the team’s 2016 first-round pick.
The Lakers played one of their best games of the seasons in a 123-122 overtime loss in Minnesota to the Timberwolves.
Russell finished with a career high in points, as Bryant sat late to see what young Lakers can do -- taking on the role of mentor.
The team moved on to face the San Antonio Spurs -- losing their fifth in a row, 109-87 despite another strong game from Russell, who quickly established yet another career-high in scoring.
Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich said that when Bryant retires after the season, “It will be a great personality gone.”
The Lakers finally finished their road trip in Houston against the Rockets, falling 126-97.
Bryant and former Lakers center Dwight Howard, now with Houston, shared pleasantries.
Randle continued to struggled for a second-straight game.
Meanwhile, three Lakers were assigned to the D-Fenders on Sunday, but the team still lost to the Austin Spurs. Those on the Lakers’ NBA Development League affiliate are trying to keep their NBA dream alive.
Lakers longtime trainer Gary Vitti is also retiring after the season.
Bryant’s likeness was formed in a giant snow portrait in China, although it’s easy to forget the darkest chapter of his career.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Bryant deserves to be All-Star.
Jordan Clarkson suffered a sprained ankle against the Wolves and sat out against the Spurs and Rockets. The Lakers are likely to give him a hefty raise in the off-season.
Scott said the Lakers learned a lesson from failure after trying to get LaMarcus Aldridge to sign as a free agent. He ultimately chose the Spurs.
Finally, the Philadelphia 76ers have added on Jerry Colangelo, perhaps to rescue the franchise.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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