Mitch Kupchak

In a year defined by injury, Coach Mike D'Antoni became a lightning rod for criticism, despite leading the Lakers (45-37) team to a 28-12, seventh-place finish. In the closing moments of the Lakers' sweep by the San Antonio Spurs, the familiar chant...

Dwight Howard's future is the key to almost everything the Lakers do moving forward. The free-agent center can re-sign in July for five years and $118 million or leave for another team for four years and $88 million. Howard insisted after his exit...

Guard Darius Morris improved through his second season in the NBA. With Steve Nash and Steve Blake on the roster, Morris was expected to be a spot player the Lakers would develop primarily in practice. Instead, the 6-foot-4 23-year-old guard was...

Masai Ujiri, Denver Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations, was named the 2012-13 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year. Despite being widely praised for his off-season moves, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak was snubbed without...

With a last look behind the scenes with the 2012-13 Lakers, Time Warner Cable SportsNet's "Backstage: Lakers" airs its season finale on Wednesday night. The players met with General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Coach Mike D'Antoni on April 29 and 30 for...

Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni did not receive any votes for the "2013-13 NBA Coach of the Year." George Karl, of the Denver Nuggets, was awarded the Red Auerbach Trophy for leading the Denver Nuggets to a 57-25 record.  The Nuggets were recently eliminated...

Rookie center Robert Sacre didn't play much in games but he remained a positive, hardworking practice player through a difficult season. Sacre's sideline celebrations were entertaining as he embraced the cheerleader role. He was the only Laker to wear...

After his exit interview Tuesday, Lakers forward/center Pau Gasol acknowledged that he might not be back next season with the team. "The future is uncertain, there's no doubt about it," Gasol said. "I don't know the exact percentages of it but I'm...

Veteran forward Antawn Jamison agreed to come to the Lakers in the off-season, signing a one-year deal at the minimum ($1.35 million). At the time, he believed the Lakers would give him a shot at an NBA championship. Jamison's contribution fluctuated...

Steve Nash couldn't finish this season because of injuries, but he knew where to start next season. With Dwight Howard. Nash was "very hopeful" the soon-to-be free-agent center would return to the Lakers. "I think this is the place for him," Nash...

On farewell day, they waved until their hands hurt. Kobe Bryant pleaded for Lakers management to pay millions to Dwight Howard, millions to Pau Gasol, millions for the luxury tax, anything to keep the Lakers together for the final year of his contract....

Poor Lakers. Even if Dwight Howard walks and Metta World Peace gets amnestied, they're still too far over the salary cap to chase any big-name free agents. Silly NBA rules. Along those lines, a sad-looking quote stood out as players and staffers slogged...