Lakers’ week in review

The Lakers inched closer last week as their early off-season slowly continued.

Kobe Bryant shed the walking boot after surgery to repair a torn Achilles’ tendon, moving to a “medical mamba” shoe. Bryant also started walking on the weight-bearing treadmill known as an Alter G.

Pau Gasol lost his crutches after nonsurgical procedures (knees). He also saw his brother Marc Gasol, with the Memphis Grizzlies, get swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

Bryant added to his tattoo collection. The Lakers guard’s dispute with his mother over memorabilia will see a New Jersey courtroom June 17.

General Manager Mitch Kupchak said he expects Dwight Howard to explore his opportunities instead of giving the Lakers an early commitment.

To chase Howard, the Houston Rockets are reportedly shopping forward Thomas Robinson to open up more salary-cap room.

Stan Van Gundy, Howard’s former coach, noted that Howard is significantly better than Roy Hibbert, who gave the Miami Heat a lot of trouble in the Eastern Conference finals.

Lakers legend Jerry West turned 75 on May 25. He said in an interview with Bob Costas that his 1971-72 Lakers could compete with the modern-day Heat.

With Miami faltering, the Lakers could find themselves in position to lure LeBron James as a free agent in 2014 -- although the Heat did manage to get past the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

Metta World Peace released a children’s book entitled “Metta’s Bedtime Stories.”

Darius Morris has been a regular at the Lakers’ training facility throughout the early days of the off-season, working diligently to improve his game.

The Lakers will head to Las Vegas in July with a summer league team.

Phil Jackson hosted a book signing at the Grove at Farmers Market.

Steve Clifford left the Lakers’ bench as an assistant to become head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Former assistant general manager Ronnie Lester joined the Phoenix Suns’ staff in an “unspecified role.”

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