Lakers’ Week 8 in review: Kobe surprises with a dunk

The Lakers lost two of three games in Week 8 but the highlight was Kobe Bryant’s first dunk of the season in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

The week began with one of the team’s best wins of the season, a 113-95 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks, in the Lakers’ first night back home after an eight-game road trip. Milwaukee forward-center Greg Monroe, who was one of the Lakers’ off-season targets in free agency, sat out with a knee injury.

Bucks Coach Jason Kidd said he understands Bryant’s battle with Father Time.

The Lakers drew the Rockets on Thursday, but failed to win two in a row for the fourth time this season. Though the Lakers lost, 107-87, the buzz from the game was Bryant’s dunk over forward-center Clint Capela.

Then again, the dunk came with a price as Bryant sat out the team’s next game with a sore shoulder. In a 118-78 loss in Oklahoma City to the Thunder, Lakers rookie Anthony Brown was given the unenviable task of trying of trying to guard All-Star forward Kevin Durant.

The Lakers never really competed against the Thunder, but Bryant said his shoulder would be fine in a couple days.

Bryant’s play had improved recently, notably his shooting. Rookie D’Angelo Russell also showed progress, although he returned to a reserve role with Jordan Clarkson’s return from a mild ankle injury.

General Manager Mitch Kupchak said Russell will be a “very, very, very, very good player.”

Second-year forward Julius Randle continues to work on his shooting touch. The Lakers also sent Ryan Kelly and Tarik Black to the D-Fenders, helping that team defeat the Idaho Stampede.

The trade restrictions on Brandon Bass, Lou Williams and Marcelo Huertas were lifted.

Lakers training camp invitee Jonathan Holmes, who was injured during the preseason, had shoulder surgery -- making the Lakers responsible for his entire salary for the season.

Despite the Lakers’ 4-23 start, the team remains a strong draw, thanks to Kobe Bryant’s farewell. The Lakers may send their first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, if it’s not a top-three selection.

Dwight Howard said he and Bryant don’t hate each other and Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts on Bryant’s upcoming retirement.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference continues to outplay the West this season.

Lamar Odom reportedly took his first unassisted steps since his hospitalization.

Finally, the Dodgers traded for the brother of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, Trace Thompson, in a three-team deal.

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