Lakers' Week 22 in review - Los Angeles Times
Advertisement

Lakers’ Week 22 in review

Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker, left, and Lakers center Chris Kaman fight for a loose ball during the Lakers' 115-99 win at Staples Center.
(Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)
Share via

The Lakers continued through a perplexing season, beating teams such as the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns but losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the last-place Milwaukee Bucks.

Week 22 started with news that Pau Gasol was diagnosed with vertigo, suffered last Sunday in a win over the Orlando Magic. Gasol sat out Tuesday when the Lakers hosted New York.

Xavier Henry was able to play, despite recently suffering a ruptured wrist ligament that will require surgery.

Advertisement

The Lakers set a franchise record with 51 points in the third quarter, dropping the Knicks, 127-96.

During the game, Nick Young’s home was robbed, with about $100,000 worth of goods stolen. He was also caught on camera celebrating a missed shot.

Gasol stayed in Los Angeles as the Lakers set out on a two-game road trip. Chris Kaman took his place, although he’s not exactly happy with how the season has gone.

Advertisement

Steve Nash was declared out as the Lakers started their two-game road trip in Milwaukee, losing to the Bucks, 108-105.

Nash made a surprise appearance on Friday, but the Lakers couldn’t stop Minnesota’s Kevin Love, falling 143-107.

Gasol missed his fourth straight game on Sunday, still trying to recover from vertigo.

Advertisement

Behind a huge night from Kaman, the Lakers didn’t miss Gasol, routing the Suns, 115-99.

Meanwhile, the NCAA tournament continued with top prospects Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid falling out before the Elite Eight. Aaron Gordon (Arizona) and Julius Randle (Kentucky) raised their draft stock, each helping their team advance to the next round -- although only Randle and Kentucky got through to the Final Four.

Finally, Kobe Bryant called Shaquille O’Neal lazy and a “Jeopardy!†contestant guessed incorrectly that Magic Johnson played in the NHL.

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

Advertisement