Lakers’ Week 15 in review

The Lakers seemed to be moving forward, heading into Week 15.

Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak was confident enough in his team to say he had “no intention of making a trade.” Kupchak’s former mentor, Lakers great Jerry West, said he still thought the team would make the post-season.

With the Lakers facing the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Dwight Howard decided he wasn’t ready to play with an injured right shoulder. Metta World Peace was suspended for the game after an altercation with Brandon Knight two days earlier.

Despite playing short-handed, the Lakers won their third-straight road game with a 92-93 victory over the Nets. Late in the game, Pau Gasol went down with a foot injury.

The news wasn’t good for Gasol -- a torn plantar fascia in the right foot. The team announced the forward/center would be out a minimum of six to eight weeks.

The Lakers have a number of options, should they look to make a roster change, although the likelihood of an earth-shattering move seems slim. The timing was unfortunate for the Lakers who were as close to breaking into the top eight in the West as they’ve been in some time.

Meanwhile, Howard’s status remained uncertain as the Lakers center noted his back is at just 75%, he continues to have nerve issues in his legs and his shoulder remains an issue.

Kobe Bryant denied he was prodding Howard to play through the injury but it remained clear the two Lakers stars weren’t quite on the same page.

Howard did suit up against the Boston Celtics but the Lakers were dismantled 116-95.

The Lakers looked awful the following night against the last-place Charlotte Bobcats, falling behind by 20 points before rallying to win 100-93.

Howard’s father, Dwight Howard Sr., defended his son with criticisms of both Kobe Bryant and Coach Mike D’Antoni.

It was too much for Bryant, who declared he’s done voicing opinions about Howard.

Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon also chimed in to say he believes Howard will re-sign with the Lakers this off-season.

The week ended with a 107-97 loss to the Miami Heat, after the Lakers kept the game close for at least three quarters.

After a favorable schedule early in the season, the Lakers have played more games on the road than at home.

In other news, Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote an online review of the television show “Girls.”

Bryant shared some photos from his pre-draft workout with the Celtics, showing Bryant in green.

Courtney Fortson of the D-Fenders and Andrew Goudelock (Rio Grande Valley Vipers), formerly with the Lakers, were named D-League All-Stars.

Finally, Steve Nash, now in his 17th season, turned 39 years old.

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