Lakers’ week in review

The Lakers reconvened on Monday for their annual media day, followed by a grueling training camp led by new head coach Byron Scott.

Scott will have to make a number of tough decisions as he looks to bring the Lakers back from last year’s 27-55 disaster.

The big question heading into camp is the status of Kobe Bryant, who missed most of last season with knee and Achilles injuries. Teammate Wesley Johnson, who worked out with Bryant most of the summer, gave hints that Bryant was ready for his return.

After playing against one of his childhood idols, rookie Julius Randle said he was wowed by the play of Bryant in practice.

To earn his two-year, $48.5-million contract extension, Bryant needs to face perhaps his greatest challenge. The all-star guard said it’s his love for game that keeps him motivated.

Scott ran an exhausting camp, pushing his players to improve their endurance and conditioning. Bryant said he welcomes Scott’s old-school style. Though Scott didn’t give his young players much of a break, he let Bryant and some other veterans out of drills to help save their legs.

In addition to Bryant’s return, Steve Nash is hoping to contribute on the floor this season after struggling through most of last year with back, knee and hamstring issues.

After the team’s first day of scrimmaging, Scott said he was happy with how Bryant and Nash performed. Bryant said he felt fine. If there was any doubt about his game, there was little doubt about his trash talking, which was in peak form at practice.

Another player who stood out was veteran guard Ronnie Price, who impressed Bryant and Scott.

Scott said Johnson will return to his natural position of small forward after playing power forward at tines for former coach Mike D’Antoni.

Scott also said he was happy with the play of point guard Jeremy Lin, who will likely come off the bench behind Nash. Lin said he’s not ready to go call Nick Young his popular nickname, “Swaggy P,” at least not yet.

Young looked good as the primary scorer for the team’s second unit in practice. He said he learned a lot about watching game video from Bryant.

On Thursday, Young sprained his right thumb, skipping practice to undergo an MRI exam. The results were not good: A ligament tear will sideline the high-scoring small forward/guard for six to eight weeks.

Without Young, the Lakers will need to adjust their rotation. Guard Wayne Ellington, who navigated a difficult summer to join the team on a non-guaranteed contract (which partially guarantees in November), may have a greater opportunity with Young sidelined.

Xavier Henry (back, knee) missed all of training camp while Ryan Kelly (hamstring) sat out most of it. Nash suffered a minor ankle tweak, but was held out just a day for precautionary reasons.

Nash and Bryant haven’t played together much through their tenure with the team. Both hope to have the chance this season.

Center/forward Jordan Hill said he has made a greater commitment to health, and feels good about it.

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