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Lakers week in review

Former Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, right, tells an audience at "Live Talks Los Angeles" that sometimes he feels he can get back on the court and lead a team, but that "the reality is I'm kidding myself."
(Eric Pincus / Los Angeles Times)
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The Lakers inched closer to the 2013 NBA Draft on June 27, working out a number of prospects at the team’s practice facility.

Dwight Howard talked to The Times about fishing, his relationship with Disney -- and free agency. Of course, he didn’t give much of a glimpse about what his expected decision in July might be.

Shaquille O’Neal said he wants Howard to face the pressure of being a great center head on. Magic Johnson said Howard needs to work on his offense.

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Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Howard won NBA Social Media Awards.

On YouTube, Howard hammed it up with his fellow Relativity Sports athletes.

Team trainer Gary Vitti gave a breakdown of Bryant’s recovery along with status updates on Steve Nash, Gasol and Howard. Bryant decided to adopt the slogan “The Last Chapter” for what might be his last one or two seasons.

Nash said he expects to be healthy next year after he completes rehab in the coming weeks (back, hip, hamstring, etc.).

Bryant also ended a memorabilia dispute with his mother in an out-of-court settlement.

Bryant and Metta World Peace made two appearances each on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” first reading mean tweets from their followers. They also took on 2-year old shooter Titus Ashby, who tied Bryant and beat World Peace.

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The World Series of Poker sent an invitation to Bryant to play in a tribute to the late Jerry Buss, but the injured all-star guard apologized that he hasn’t been cleared to travel just yet.

At an event in Glendale on Wednesday, Phil Jackson admitted that he doesn’t want to kid himself and that he’s done coaching. He also explained why the Lakers’ offense should go through Howard.

Jackson compared O’Neal, who he coached, to Wilt Chamberlain, who he played against.

Boston Celtics fan and “Extra” host Maria Menounos recounted getting booted from her courtside seats at a Lakers game by Jack Nicholson.

Finally, Time Warner SportsNet featured James Worthy on an episode of “Through the Lens.”

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

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