Lakers week in review

The Lakers’ preseason got underway with a win and a loss.

Newcomer Xavier Henry made a strong first impression in a 104-95 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

The following night, the Lakers lost 97-88 to the Denver Nuggets, losing Wesley Johnson to a strained left foot in the process.

The Lakers had been relatively injury free through training camp, waiting on Kobe Bryant to return from Achilles surgery. Rookie Ryan Kelly still hasn’t been fully cleared after foot surgery in April.

There was some question whether Nick Young would play over the weekend after an ankle sprain, but he was healthy enough to go both nights.

Bryant left camp for Germany on Thursday to get his knee treated. Although he still hasn’t been fully cleared to play, the Lakers All-Star has hit the floor for “set shooting.”

While recovering, Bryant used an article from The Times as bulletin-board material.

A report from Adidas revealed that Bryant has the third-most popular NBA jersey worldwide. He also responded to a statement from Michael Jordan that he isn’t sure he’d be able to beat Bryant in a game of one-on-one.

After a summer rehabbing his knees, Pau Gasol has exceeded expectations in training camp.

The Lakers got younger and more athletic over the offseason but still face questions of tempo. A scrimmage showed the potential of having several skilled big men on the roster.

Former Lakers center Dwight Howard explained his timing and motive in leaving the Lakers for the Houston Rockets. Howard also disclosed that former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy advised him to leave for Houston.

Meanwhile, Clippers Coach Doc Rivers (formerly with the Boston Celtics), said the Lakers are the ‘best franchise in sports history.’

Former Lakers Byron Scott and Luke Walton joined the Time Warner Cable SportsNet broadcast team.

Steve Nash reached a legal settlement with his ex-wife in a child-custody battle. Legal problems continue for former Lakers guard Javaris Crittenton, who faces serious charges.

Lakers center Robert Sacre joined Twitter.

The Lakers need to be better than seven teams in the Western Conference. In a continuing series, the team was found to be better than the Minnesota Timberwolves but not the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.

Finally, former Lakers forward Vladimir Radmanovic is retiring, according to a report.

ALSO:

Nick Young fulfills a lifelong dream in Lakers’ preseason opener

Ryan Kelly could be a few days away from practicing with Lakers

Lakers, Xavier Henry make strong first impression in preseason opener

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