Lakers’ week in review

The Lakers closed the week with a 4-4 preseason record and an eye on Tuesday’s opening-night contest against the Clippers.

Wins over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday and Thursday brought the Lakers to .500, giving an idea of what the team will look like while Kobe Bryant works his way back from injury.

Generally speaking, when the Lakers’ bench makes a contribution, the team is substantially better.

One issue for the Lakers could be rebounding, an aspect of the game with which they have struggled throughout the preseason -- not surprising now that they’re without Dwight Howard.

In a poll, general managers praised the Houston Rocket’s off-season moves, including luring Howard away from the Lakers.

Another issue for the Lakers is the health of Steve Nash, who may sit back-to-back games, starting with the contest against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

The team also made its final preseason cuts, waiving Marcus Landry to get down to 15 players.

Two Hall of Famers (Magic Johnson and Reggie Miller) came out in support of the Clippers’ decision to hide the Lakers’ banners and retired jerseys during Clippers’ home games.

Phil Jackson acknowledged that he “probably won’t be able to physically coach again.”

Tyler Hansbrough of the Toronto Raptors thought better of confronting Metta World Peace (now with the New York Knicks).

The Dallas Mavericks waived former Laker Devin Ebanks.

Gonzaga Coach Mark Few took a moment to visit former players Robert Sacre and Elias Harris at the Lakers’ practice facility.

Should the Golden State Warriors be considered ‘The New Showtime’?

Looking back at Lakers history, the team’s charter made an emergency landing in an Iowa cornfield back in 1960

Bill Sharman died at the age of 87. Lakers owner/executive Jeanie Buss and General Manager Mitch Kupchak gave their thoughts on the team’s former coach.

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