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Lakers’ week in review

Lakers center Dwight Howard powers his way to the basket against Bulls power forward Nazr Mohammed.
(Reed Saxon / Associated Press)
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The Lakers off-season continues with various opinions on the futures of Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard.

Bryant tweeted various thoughts on retirement, Michael Jordan and the possibility he might write his own memoir.

“Really? Me. Retire?? Soon, but not yet,” he wrote.

Bryant and Pau Gasol sent out prayers to the victims of the devastating tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City last week. Bryant passed on instructions on how to donate via text message to help support the Red Cross’ efforts to help in Oklahoma.

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Bryant also tweeted that he wants both Howard and Gasol back with the Lakers next season.

Former coach Phil Jackson said he’s skeptical that Howard has reason to return to the Lakers. Howard’s former coach, Stan Van Gundy, said he doesn’t think the Lakers center is happy with his role.

The Lakers have a financial advantage in re-signing Howard, but if a fifth year is not a priority, the Houston Rockets can make a viable offer to the veteran center.

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Bryant was named to the All-NBA 1st team while Howard was named to the third. The All-Star guard’s signature shoe was second this last year in domestic sales, behind LeBron James’ product. Both are with Nike.

TNT aired a new “Forever Kobe” spot Friday during the Eastern Conference finals (Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers) broadcast.

Coach Mike D’Antoni decided to pass on an assistant position with Team USA. The Lakers coach said he is confident Bryant will return to form next season after an Achilles’ injury suffered in mid-April.

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Time Warner Cable SportsNet aired the Lakers’ top-50 plays of the season.

Guard Flynn Robinson, part of the Lakers’ 1971-72 championship team, passed away Thursday at the age of 72. In a radio interview last December, Robinson said his time with the Lakers was “one of the best moments in my life.”

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

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