Lakers’ Week 21 in review

The Lakers (18-50) ended Week 21 with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, breaking a four-game losing streak.

Despite the recent losses, the Lakers have been competitive against quality teams.

They lost at home to the Atlanta Hawks, 91-86, and on the road to the best team in the league, the Golden State Warriors, 108-105.

The team’s 50th loss of the season came at Staples Center to the Utah Jazz, 80-73.

The 101-87 win over the 76ers could hurt the team’s chances at keeping their 2015 draft pick.

With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, the Lakers are getting a glimpse at some of the prospects they might have a shot at, presuming they finish in the top five (otherwise the selection is conveyed to Philadelphia).

Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell shined in his tournament debut, but struggled as Arizona knocked his team out of the tournament.

Center Jahlil Okafor was powerful for Duke, looking every bit a candidate for the top overall pick in June.

Despite the Lakers’ dismal season, Coach Byron Scott said the team is still playing like professionals.

Meanwhile, Steve Nash officially announced his retirement.

Nick Young has a small fracture in knee, which may (or may not) heal before the end of the season. He briefly wore a new, hairdo at practice.

Jordan Clarkson’s rebounding has been a pleasant surprise.

Guard Jabari Brown signed a second 10-day contract with the team.

Rookie forward/center Tarik Black, who is on nonguaranteed contract, doesn’t take for granted he’ll be back with the Lakers next season.

Former Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni has put his Manhattan Beach home on the market with an asking price of $9.8 million.

Finally, Scott will miss the team’s next two games, to attend his mother’s funeral.

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