Lakers’ week in review

The Lakers are currently in China for a pair of exhibition games against the Golden State Warriors.

Of course, while visiting the Great Wall, the players became tourist attraction themselves.

Before flying to China, Kobe Bryant made a trip to Germany for a knee procedure to help alleviate knee inflammation. The “Orthokine” procedure was precautionary as Bryant prepares for a return from the Achilles’ tendon injury.

Trying to get back into shape after so much time off, Bryant tweeted he lost five pounds in one day.

The Lakers dealt with a number of minor injuries through the first few weeks of training camp. Wesley Johnson sat out with a strained tendon in his left foot.

Steve Nash spent most of the summer rehabbing from last season’s injuries, still trying to figure out “what kind of player I am now.”

Coach Mike D’Antoni is still looking to decide his starting lineup. The Lakers coach was impressed by the chemistry between Pau Gasol and Chris Kaman.

Shawne Williams, who is looking for redemption after legal issues, is also in the running to start at power forward.

Former Lakers center Vlade Divac said he’s confident the Lakers will win the title this season.

It’s going to be difficult for the Lakers to make the playoffs given the competition in the Western Conference. The teams they probably will be battling for the final two playoff spots include the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks.

Meanwhile, the Lakers trimmed down the roster by waiving centers Dan Gadzuric and Eric Boateng.

Magic Johnson stepped down from his role as ESPN analyst. Pau Gasol took in a big Dodgers win to advance the club to the National League Championship Series.

Finally, Dwight Howard was greeted with Lakers’ backlash while visiting the Philippines with the Houston Rockets.

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