Lakers Week 18 in review

The Lakers salvaged Week 18 with a win over the Sacramento Kings after two tough road losses to the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies.

With the Pacers in first place in the Eastern Conference, it’s not a surprise the Lakers weren’t able to get the win in Indiana, falling 118-98 with a poor second half.

The following night, the Lakers challenged the Grizzlies but ultimately fell short, 108-103.

After playing Feb. 23 against the Brooklyn Nets, Nick Young returned to the sideline with a nagging knee injury -- missing all three games through Week 18.

With the losses mounting, Pau Gasol voiced concerns about the Lakers’ offense. Coach Mike D’Antoni acknowledged that he was disturbed by Gasol’s comments.

Prior to the Kings visit to the Lakers, Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins was suspended a game for punching Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley.

The Lakers rallied in the second half against the Kings, defeating Sacramento without Cousins, 126-122.

Despite the team’s struggles, guard Kent Bazemore has quickly made an impression with the Lakers after a trade from the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers are also among the top three-point shooting teams in the NBA.

Xavier Henry, recovering from a knee injury, was sent to the D-Fenders as a rehab assignment.

In two games with the Lakers’ NBA Development League affiliate, Henry scored 15 and 19 points in a pair of D-Fenders’ losses.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks cut ties with former Lakers forward Metta World Peace but quickly agreed to terms with ex-Lakers Earl Clark and Shannon Brown on a pair of 10-day contracts.

Finally, Gasol encouraged Lamar Odom to join Spanish team Laboral Kutxa.

ALSO:

Xavier Henry scores 15 points for D-Fenders in a loss

Lakers rally in second half to beat the Kings, 126-122

Knicks sign former Lakers Earl Clark and Shannon Brown

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.