Lakers’ week in review

Mark Madsen returned to the Lakers’ family as he named head coach of the D-Fenders. He said his goals are to groom players for the NBA while trying to get his team to win in the D-League.

No Lakers were named to the first or second NBA all-defensive teams, although Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace all received votes. Bryant, who is recovering from an Achilles’ injury, posted a graphic image of the tendon mid-surgery.

Pau Gasol confirmed that he’ll miss the European Championship in Slovenia as he works to get his knees healthy.

The Lakers’ season ended after four playoff games, despite the team playing $129.5 million in salary and luxury taxes.

Phil Jackson’s new book, “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success,� is to be released on Tuesday. In the book, Jackson looks extensively at Bryant. He also writes about learning how to communicate with World Peace.

In a chat with Jay Leno on the “Tonight Show,� Jackson said the Lakers’ win over the Boston Celtics in seven games back in 2010 was the most gratifying victory of his career. The Hall of Fame coach also recalled his non-hiring by the Lakers in November.

Meanwhile, World Peace visited a local news station to talk Lakers and do the weather.

As teams around the league look to fill head-coaching vacancies, Lakers assistant Steve Clifford has drawn interest from teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats. Former assistant Eddie Jordan gave his take on the Lakers’ challenging season.

PBS Digital Studio released an animated interview with Wilt Chamberlain as part of its “Blank on Blank� series.

Staples Center and L.A. Live will offer free Wi-Fi beginning Tuesday.

Bryant announced that he’ll host “Kobe up Close,� an Aug. 15 event to raise money to help eradicate homelessness.

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