Lakers’ Week 16 in review

The Lakers limped to the All-Star break, after Week 16, with a short roster and a three-game losing streak.

Steve Nash, struggling with chronic nerve root issues, tried to give it a go on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz.

Unfortunately, the 40-year-old point guard couldn’t go in the second half as the Lakers fell to the Jazz, 96-79.

For the second time this season, the Lakers failed to sell out Staples Center. The franchise was also bumped from another national TV broadcast, the third time that’s happened this season

Though Lakers ticket sales have dipped on the secondary market, the team has still been the second-most-popular ticket on the road.

Chris Kaman was promoted to the starting lineup against Utah, but his strong individual performance wasn’t enough to help the Lakers get the win.

Earlier in the year, Kaman complained about not getting enough minutes, but suddenly he found himself playing more than he ever anticipated.

An overwhelming majority in an unscientific poll by The Times supported the notion that Nash should retire. The veteran point guard sat out on Thursday when the Lakers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In one of their better games of the season, the Lakers fell late as the Thunder rallied to win, 107-103.

Before the game, General Manager Mitch Kupchak insisted that the Lakers won’t tank, and gave Coach Mike D’Antoni a vote of confidence.

The Lakers hoped to get most, if not all, of their injured players back following the All-Star break, but Xavier Henry had to have his knee drained and will be forced to sit out at least an additional month.

Kobe Bryant is also out for at least a few more weeks. James Harden was chosen to start in the All-Star game Sunday instead of the injured Bryant (knee).

On Facebook, Bryant was passed by John Cena as the most-liked U.S. athlete.

Forward Shawne Williams’ 10-day contract expired on Sunday, making him a free agent.

Pau Gasol was cleared to increase activity following a groin injury. With the trade deadline coming Thursday, Gasol said his “preference would be to stay” with the Lakers.

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