“I’m a fan,” Russell said. “But y’all get to know him soon. I’ll let you all dig into that.”

Russell was right, with Dinwiddie – one of the top available free agents – signing with the Lakers Saturday evening after clearing waivers earlier in the day.

Dinwiddie, who’ll wear No. 26 with the Lakers, is expected to practice with his new team on Monday with the expectation that he’ll be available against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night, the first of a back-to-back before playing the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.

The Lakers didn’t make any moves ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline despite hovering around .500 all season, but general manager Rob Pelinka made it clear they were going to be aggressive in the free agency/buyout market – especially for another ball-handling guard in light of reserve guard Gabe Vincent only playing five games this season because of left knee ailments.

The 30-year-old Dinwiddie, who was traded by Brooklyn and waived by Toronto this week, watched the Lakers-Pelicans game from the stands while seated next to Pelinka.

Dinwiddie, who attended Dallas’ game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, is an L.A. native who starred at Taft High in Woodland Hills and played three seasons at Colorado.

“Spencer is returning to his roots and the city where his journey began,” Pelinka said. “We welcome him back to his hometown of Los Angeles. We are thrilled for him to wear the iconic Lakers uniform in front of his family and friends. His play-making and aggressiveness from the guard position provides us valuable depth as we continue our strong push toward the back-half of the season. Spencer adds a wealth of experience to our roster and brings proven success in the postseason.”

The 6-foot-5 guard could provide perimeter shooting for the Lakers. He averaged 12.6 points and six assists in 48 starts for the Nets this season.

“Playmaking, another ball handler, another shot-maker,” LeBron James said of what Dinwiddie could add. “Another guy, another veteran. Anytime you can add a veteran with that ability, it helps. So we’ll see what happens.”

Anthony Davis gave an endorsement as well.

“He’s a big guard, a shot-maker,” Davis said. “We’ve seen what he did with Brooklyn, what he did with Dallas, making big plays for them. He’s a well-established player, a vet in this league.”

Dinwiddie will make around $1.5 million for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports, and will fill the team’s 15th and final standard roster spot. The Lakers were able to offer slightly more than the prorated veteran’s minimum for the remainder of the season since they didn’t use their entire midlevel exception to sign Vincent last summer.

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves controls the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. shoots as Lakers guard Austin Reaves defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell takes a shot in front of New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers scored 87 points before halftime (51 in the second quarter) and rolled to a 139-122 win. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson drives as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis takes a shot in front of New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram shoots as Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers forward Taurean Prince controls the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers scored 87 points before halftime (51 in the second quarter) and rolled to a 139-122 win. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson shoots as Lakers star Anthony Davis defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James is fouled by the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James, left, is fouled by the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III as he shoots during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers scored 87 points before halftime (51 in the second quarter) and rolled to a 139-122 win. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson drives to the basket as Lakers center Jaxson Hayes defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell takes a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell celebrates during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, right, celebrates after making a 3-point shot in front of the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers scored 87 points before halftime (51 in the second quarter) and rolled to a 139-122 win. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell celebrates during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram attempts a layup as Lakers forwards Taurean Prince, far left, and Christian Wood defend during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers forward Taurean Prince handles the ball as the New Orleans Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr. defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson handles the ball during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura goes up for a dunk during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Actor Will Ferrell sits courtside as he watches during the first half of a game between the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James takes a shot as the New Orleans Pelicans’ Dyson Daniels defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. attempts a layup during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James takes a shot during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, right, takes a shot as New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, left, shoots from 3-point range as Lakers guard Austin Reaves defends during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura dunks as New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, watches during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James drives past New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James celebrates during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado handles the ball next to Lakers star Anthony Davis, right, during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers center Jaxson Hayes dunks during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves shoots as New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels defends during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson gets to the basket over the Lakers’ LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves, from left, during the first half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, right, shoots from 3-point range as Lakers guard Austin Reaves defends during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis, left, drives as the New Orleans Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr. defends during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers forward LeBron James holds the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels defends during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers forward LeBron James shoots as New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels defends during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram attempts as shot as Lakers forward Taurean Prince defends during the second half on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James looks on during a pause in play in the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James smiles between plays during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers center Jaxson Hayes celebrates during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James looks on during warmups before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

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  Lakers star LeBron James looks on before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Yannick Peterhans)

LOS ANGELES — Anyone looking for an example of what the Lakers’ offense can look like when it’s firing on all cylinders, the second quarter of their 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night had it all.

It also looked like a team playing with the freedom of knowing Thursday’s trade deadline was fully behind them.

D’Angelo Russell (team-high 30 points) was on a heater, scoring 14 straight points early in the second – including four 3-pointers – across two minutes to get the Lakers rolling.

The ball was flying around, with LeBron James (21 points, season-high 14 assists) and Anthony Davis (20 points, six assists) leading the charge as playmakers instead of scorers as they put on an offensive masterclass in their fourth victory in five games.

The result: an overwhelming 51-point second quarter that gave the Lakers an 87-74 halftime lead.

“It was just a testament to playing the game the right way,” said Austin Reaves, who finished with 27 points and four assists. “Making the extra pass. We were getting wide-open looks, to be honest. And when D-Lo sees a couple go in, I mean, I got about a 97% guess rate correct when he’s about to shoot it. I can tell you every time. And I love it. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

The Lakers’ 51 points in the second were tied for the most points they’ve scored in a quarter in franchise history and their 87 points was the second-highest first-half total in franchise history.

“D-Lo had it going,” Davis said. “Rui (Hachimura) made plays. Any time we’re able to get stops in the paint, transition and play fast and share the basketball, offense starts to click and we can score 51 in a quarter.”

With Reaves and Hachimura (21 points) also surpassing the 20-point threshold, all five Laker starters scored at least 20 points.

“All of us are just sharing the basketball, no matter who scores, as long as the ball goes in the basket,” Davis said. “We’ve been having a lot of high-assist games, so we’ve been moving the basketball and sharing it. And if you’re open shoot, if not, move on to the next player.

“We’ve been doing a good job playing together, playing for each other. And then a result of that, you have guys shooting the ball with confidence and playing with confidence, which leads to five starters for 20-plus.”

The Lakers (28-26) shot 55.7% from the field (49 for 88) and 45.2% from 3-point range (14 for 31), finishing with 32 assists – the 20th time they’ve recorded at least 30 assists.

Even with the Pelicans (30-22) cutting the margin to single digits in the third, the Lakers’ offensive firepower was too much for New Orleans to overcome.

Both teams took their rotation players out with 2:33 left in the game, with the Lakers up 132-117.

Russell – who made six 3-pointers and had five assists – sat out Thursday’s loss to Denver with left knee soreness, but he returned with another impressive effort after averaging 24 points per game in his previous 13 outings. Russell’s improved play in recent weeks was a primary reason for the Lakers’ decision to stand pat at the trade deadline despite sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers made no moves despite hovering around .500 all season, but they’re still seeking help on the buyout market. Spencer Dinwiddie, who was traded by Brooklyn and waived by Toronto this week, watched this game from the stands while seated next to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

Dinwiddie, who attended Dallas’ game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, is an L.A. native who starred at Taft High in Woodland Hills. He could provide perimeter shooting for the Lakers if they can sign him. He averaged 12.6 points and six assists in 48 starts for the Nets this season.

“Playmaking, another ball handler, another shot-maker,” James said of what Dinwiddie could add. “Another guy, another veteran. Anytime you can add a veteran with that ability, it helps. So we’ll see what happens.”

Davis gave an endorsement as well.

“He’s a big guard, a shot-maker,” Davis said. “We’ve seen what he did with Brooklyn, what he did with Dallas, making big plays for them. He’s a well-established player, a vet in this league.”

Zion Williamson had 30 points and nine rebounds, and Brandon Ingram added 22 points for the Pelicans, who split two games in downtown Los Angeles to begin their four-game road trip but saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.

The Lakers get a few days off before hosting the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday on the first night of a back-to-back before playing the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.

“I feel nothing. I'm not really thinking about anything… I’ve mentioned flow state a few times… I just kinda get there.” D'Angelo Russell on when he gets in that offensive rhythm. pic.twitter.com/ZujxFP9O7Z

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 10, 2024

The Lakers' entire starting 5 scored 20+ PTS to give the Lakers the win against the Pelicans!

This is the first time a Lakers starting 5 all scored 20+ points in a game since 11/4/1984 pic.twitter.com/iiwvzW7BXJ

— NBA (@NBA) February 10, 2024

LeBron James discusses the Lakers offensive flow among the starters, D'Angelo Russell's performance and what Spencer Dinwiddie could bring to the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/2AGk5cnKRA

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 10, 2024

"All of us are just sharing the basketball… we've been doing a good job of playing together, playing for each other and the result of that is you have guys shooting with confidence." Anthony Davis on all five starters scoring 20+ points. pic.twitter.com/EUMgyVOfbA

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 10, 2024

Darvin Ham on the Lakers offensive uptick and ball movement over the last two games. pic.twitter.com/74OmP8yR9W

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 10, 2024

"If y'all been watching DLo since college I think y'all know what he can do. That's how he can really help our team… you love to see it." Austin Reaves (27 pts, 4 ast) with @LakersReporter on D'Angelo's performance. pic.twitter.com/3TvpIRfmUq

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 10, 2024

Year 21 vision https://t.co/eoD66Nqa0F pic.twitter.com/4lnvRtnXhx

— NBA (@NBA) February 10, 2024

Friday was the ninth consecutive game Reddish has been out of the lineup because of a sprained right ankle that he suffered during the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ Jan. 23 loss to the Clippers.

Reddish played just two games before suffering the ankle injury after missing three consecutive games because of left knee effusion (swelling).

The fifth-year wing has been one of several Lakers who has been in and out of the lineup with injuries this season, playing in 35 of the team’s 54 games.

“Anytime you get healthy bodies back, it’s great news,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “Just his on-ball defending, his point-of-attack defense, his length, his ability to play make off the dribble, catch-and-shoot (3-pointers), size, the way he chases down 50-50 balls, comes up with offensive rebounds. His great feet, great hands at that size, it definitely makes an impact when you have it in your lineup.”

Reddish will miss at least the next two games before the break – Tuesday’s home game against the Detroit Pistons and Wednesday’s road game against the Utah Jazz.

He’s averaging 6.7 points (40.5% shooting, 33.7% from 3-point range), 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals in his 35 games, including 26 starts.

Reddish leads the team in deflections per 36 minutes with 3.4.

Starting guard D’Angelo Russell was back in the lineup after being sidelined for Thursday’s 114-106 home loss to the Denver Nuggets because of left knee soreness.

Second-year guard Max Christie wasn’t available against the Pelicans after suffering a sprained right ankle during the second quarter of the loss to the Nuggets.

Ham said Christie had an MRI on his right ankle and the team is waiting for the results, adding that Christie (who turns 21 on Saturday) was going to get looked at by team doctors Friday night.

“He’s 12 years old,” Ham quipped, “so hopefully he heals fast.”

With the Lakers without Reddish and Christie, two-way guard Skylar Mays was in the first-half rotation after playing seven second-half minutes the previous night against the Nuggets.

“Skylar’s a kid that’s played real NBA minutes up in Portland,” Ham said. “Played really well against us earlier in the year. He’s not afraid of the moment, he’s not afraid to compete, not afraid to go out there and make plays no matter who is out on the floor with him. He showed that [Thursday] night in big moments. We have all the faith in the world in him. That’s why he’s here.”

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, gets under the Denver Nuggets’ Christian Braun as he looks to shoot during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers star LeBron James shoots as the Denver Nuggets’ Peyton Watson, left, defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis holds the ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. takes a shot over Lakers guard Max Christie during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers forward Taurean Prince, left, and center Jaxson Hayes (11) block a shot by Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis, left, and Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon vie for the ball during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, right, looks to shoot as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, right, is fouled as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) defends on the play during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves shoots as Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis, right, looks to dunk the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon takes a shot as Lakers star Anthony Davis defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball during the first half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers guard Max Christie, left, shoots as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. shoots in front of Lakers guard Max Christie during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers forward Christian Wood passes the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star LeBron James holds the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Musicians Flea, left, and Lars Ulrich attend a game between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves, top right, looks to pass as the Denver Nuggets’ Christian Braun, left, Reggie Jackson (7) and DeAndre Jordan (6) defend during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers forward Taurean Prince gets to the basket for a layup in front of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and teammate Anthony Davis during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers forward Taurean Prince gets to the basket for a layup during the first half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  The Denver Nuggets’ Christian Braun falls into some fans sitting courtside while pursuing a loose ball during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers forward Anthony Davis, left, dunks as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis shoots over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Actor/comedian Adam Sandler watches the Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets from a courtside seat on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers star LeBron James brings the ball up the court as Denver Nuggets forward Justin Holiday watches during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers forward Anthony Davis goes up for a shot as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, and forward Justin Holiday defend during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers forward Christian Wood goes up for a shot during the first half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray takes a shot as Lakers star LeBron James defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis handles the. ball during the first half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis goes up for a shot as the Denver Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon, left, Justin Holiday (9) and Reggie Jackson, right, defend during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, gets to the basket as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon defends during the first half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers center Jaxson Hayes dunks during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray handles the ball as Lakers guard Austin Reaves defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) dunks in front of Lakers forward Rui Hachimura during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  The Lakers’ Skyler Mays, center, and the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, bottom left, pursue a loose ball as LeBron James looks on from above during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, blocks a shot by Lakers star Anthony Davis during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic handles the ball as Lakers forward Christian Wood defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) goes to the basket in front of Lakers forwards Christian Wood (35) and Anthony Davis (3) during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis scores during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic takes a shot as Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James gestures during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James gestures during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers forwards Christian Wood, left, and Anthony Davis (3) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic wait for a rebound during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers guard Austin Reaves takes a shot during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers forward Anthony Davis, back, defends against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, as forward Rui Hachimura and guard Austin Reaves, right, watch during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star LeBron James runs into Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers star LeBron James gets to the basket for a layup during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray controls a rebound next to Lakers forward Anthony Davis during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, right, saves the ball from going out of bounds by passing to Anthony Davis (3) as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic shoots as Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers forward Taurean Prince, top, fouls Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray drives to the basket as Lakers forward LeBron James, left, defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis takes a close-range shot during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon dunks as Lakers star LeBron James, right, can only look on during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, shoots as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James looks up during the second half of their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers players warm up wearing Kobe Bryant shirts before their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers star LeBron James warms up in a Kobe Bryant T-shirt before their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura warms up in a Kobe Bryant T-shirt before their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  A video tribute for Kobe Bryant is shown on the scoreboard video screen before a game between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers players wear shirts in honor of Kobe Bryant as they listen to the national anthem before their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers star LeBron James focuses before their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Lakers star Anthony Davis focuses before their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

LOS ANGELES — The noise and rumors – at least temporarily – are behind them. For better or worse, the Lakers’ roster, outside of a possible addition via the buyout market, is set for the duration of the 2023-24 season.

No more questions or discussions about what trades the team could make. The only question that matters is: can the Lakers compete with the best teams in the Western Conference?

Even in a 114-106 home loss to the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, with significant parts of their roster sidelined, they provided optimism that they could.

“I’m extremely proud under the circumstances,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “Coming off this long trip, facing an opponent like that, the way our guys competed, the way they gave multiple efforts. I can go down a long list of plays that our guys made that were just ultra-competitive. As long as we keep doing that, good things will happen for us.”

The Lakers (27-26), who were led by Anthony Davis (32 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, three steals) and LeBron James (25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists) stuck with the Nuggets (36-16) for 46 minutes.

They tied the score at 100 with 3:44 left and again at 104-all with just over two minutes remaining after a Jaxson Hayes chase-down block against Peyton Watson led to an Austin Reaves 3-pointer in transition on the other end.

But when it mattered most, the Nuggets showed why they’re at the top of the West – and a level of play the Lakers are still aspiring to consistently reach.

“For the most part, I think we were solid defensively,” Davis said. “But the fourth quarter, especially late fourth quarter, we just got to be better on the defensive end.”

Jamal Murray (29 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds) made a 3-pointer to put the Nuggets up 107-104 with just under two minutes remaining. After an empty possession from the Lakers, Murray hit an 11-foot floater in transition to give Denver a five-point lead.

The Nuggets once again capitalized off an empty Lakers possession after Reaves missed a 3-point attempt, with Nikola Jokic (24 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists) assisting Michael Porter Jr. (27 points, eight rebounds) on a corner 3-pointer to put the Nuggets up 112-104 – essentially sealing the victory with 1:05 left.

Porter had a dunk in transition 15 seconds later to end any hopes of a Lakers’ comeback, showing how much of a buzzsaw the Nuggets can be late in games, in a way that was reminiscent of last spring’s conference finals.

“Missed shots and then breakdowns,” Davis said. “We had a breakdown on Jokic and kicks it to the corner for a corner three. Austin gambles, tried to get a steal, another three, Michael Porter’s. So, another breakdown and Peyton Watson gets a back-cut dunk. Bron has the rebound, it slips out of his hands. So, it’s just little breakdowns that we had. We couldn’t score on the offensive end.”

Reaves had 15 points and 10 assists and Hayes had nine points, six rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes as the Lakers saw their three-game winning streak – their longest since the In-Season Tournament ended – come to an end in their first game back from an encouraging six-game road trip.

“Definitely very frustrating,” Hayes said. “A close loss like that, you make a good push there at the end, it’s always frustrating. … All of us know what time of year it is, and all of us know we need to lock in and get some more wins. I feel like there’s a sense of urgency from all of us.”

Ham gave credit to the reigning champs.

“They’re a well-oiled machine,” Ham said of the Nuggets. “Twenty-one second-chance points. It’s one of those nights where you know when you’re playing against a team like this, you have to be hitting on all cylinders.”

Just hours after their inactivity at the deadline, the Lakers ran drastically short on guards. D’Angelo Russell sat out with left knee soreness and Max Christie started in his place and scored seven points before spraining his right ankle shortly before halftime.

“This is our team, what we’re going to have, and once we get guys healthy, we can kind of get back into our groove,” Davis said.

Russell’s improved play in recent weeks was a primary factor in the Lakers’ decision not to move his tradeable contract at the deadline. But the starting point guard couldn’t play after undergoing an unspecified procedure on his sore left knee Wednesday.

Three hours before the game, the Lakers unveiled a 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Kobe Bryant outside the arena. The Lakers played in their Black Mamba alternate uniforms, and the evening was filled with Bryant tributes before the crowd began chanting “Ko-be! Ko-be!” in the final minutes to try to urge them on.

Anthony Davis breaks down the keys to a win against the Nuggets and being better defensively late in the game. pic.twitter.com/AZxdI2LHFm

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

“Once you get on the floor you have to lock in on the assignment. That’s all that matters.” LeBron James speaks on being ready after the long road trip and the mindset after the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/wHGND6xMGD

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

Darvin Ham speaks on the little details that cost them the game and the Nuggets’ talented duo. pic.twitter.com/jG25ijNQpP

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka confirmed before Thursday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets that the team will possibly look to upgrade the roster through the buyout market. The Lakers have an open standard roster spot and can offer a prorated salary of the remainder ($1.9 million) of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception – more than most teams can offer – after using a chunk of it to sign guard Gabe Vincent last offseason.

“We really like the players on our team and we’re confident in this group of players,” Pelinka said. “And of course that said, our job, my job, is to always look for ways to upgrade our roster. But you can’t buy a house that’s not for sale. … Sometimes no move is better than an unwise move.”

Pelinka said that there is a “good group of names” available in the looming buyout market and the front office plans on being aggressive with its open roster spot, primarily looking for a ball-handling guard.

“We signed Gabe Vincent and thought he fit really well, but his health just hasn’t (been consistent),” Pelinka said. “He’s played five games. So, I think that would be sort of top of the list, and then best available after that.

“That would probably be the area we’re trying to address the most, just because right now we have D’Angelo Russell, who is a point guard, but after that we don’t have (another) point guard on the roster.”

The Lakers have been rumored to be interested in Spencer Dinwiddie, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. The Raptors reportedly are planning to waive the coveted point guard, who starred at Taft High in Woodland Hills.

In the meantime, the Lakers will continue to work toward securing a playoff spot with their current roster. Coach Darvin Ham and Pelinka both said they like how the roster is built and believe the current group can be better than its current 27-25 record.

“We’ve had our ups and downs certainly, but I’ve been saying it all year – we have all the confidence in the world with the players in our locker room,” Ham said. “So, we will continue to prepare for each and every opponent, try to get better every day, constantly look at ourselves and find ways we can get better and sustain things that are going well and keep pushing.”

Since they stood pat, the Lakers will have three tradable first-round draft picks during this offseason (beginning July 1) – compared to the lone pick one they had at their disposal ahead of Thursday’s deadline – in their expected pursuit of a high-caliber, All-Star-level player.

TREATMENT, NOT PROCEDURE

Ham further clarified his description of the process that Russell underwent the day before the trade deadline. He initially said Wednesday that the point guard had a “tune-up procedure” on Tuesday for an undisclosed injury, but later said it was a “treatment.”

On Thursday, Ham explained that Russell had an injection in his balky left knee. He did not play against the Nuggets.

“Well, I used the word ‘procedure’ and everybody loses their mind or whatever,” Ham said. “I think I meant to say ‘treatment.’ He had a little maintenance treatment that is normal, perfectly normal. It wasn’t a procedure.”

In other injury news, the Lakers are hopeful that Vincent (left knee) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who is sidelined because of a sprained right foot, can be impactful players for them once they return.

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  From left, former Lakers player Derek Fisher, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, Vanessa Bryant and longtime Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz pose together on stage at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers Derek Fisher, left, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar greet each other on the stage at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Laker Derek Fisher speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant, his longtime teammate, on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers owner Jeanie Buss speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  The Lakers unveil a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant, the first of three to pay tribute to the franchise legend, on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers star Magic Johnson, left, speaks to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, smiles during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers player Pau Gasol is seen during the ceremony unveiling the statue for late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  From left, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Lakers player Derek Fisher, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, longtime Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz and Vanessa Bryant are seen on stage at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  From left, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Lakers player Derek Fisher, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Vanessa Bryant are seen on stage at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of the franchise icon that is planned for the plaza outside the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, sits on a chair during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, sits on a chair during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, greet each other during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  NBA commissioner Adam Silver is seen during the ceremony unveiling the statue for late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gives a thumb’s up during the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar waits his turn to speak at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers star Magic Johnson is interviewed at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers fan Steve Sanchez of Los Angeles was on hand for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

He should have been there.

We knew, from the moment of Kobe Bryant’s mic drop – “Mamba out” – after he hung 60 points on the Utah Jazz on the final night of his career, that he would someday be honored with a statue.

That was April 13, 2016. No one could possibly have known that Bryant, who had engineered an impressive second act in retirement, wouldn’t be around to bask in that glory when he was at last immortalized in bronze.

But it’s not too much of a second guess to wish that this would have taken place much, much sooner – indeed, to say it should have taken place much, much sooner, when he was here to appreciate it.

Thursday’s statue unveiling, fittingly scheduled on 2/8/24, came a little more than four years after the helicopter accident that shocked not only Southern California but all of the basketball world and took from us Kobe, his daughter Gianna – who wore No. 2 on the basketball court – and the other passengers who were on that helicopter headed for a girls basketball event.

Their names are just as important, and their friends and families have grieved just as much over the last four years: Passengers Alyssa Altobelli, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and copter pilot Ara Zobayan. May they, too, always be remembered.

Kobe was the most public of figures, and he grew up before our eyes. From his beginnings as a Laker – his fierce desire to get on the court when his coach, Del Harris, wanted to be more cautious with his playing time; the airballs at the end of a deciding playoff game in Utah (with his willingness to take them and the ability to learn from them); his sometimes harmonious, sometimes fractious relationship with Shaquille O’Neal; the three titles with Shaq and two more with Pau Gasol – to the final years of his career as a veteran on a team in transition, we saw the triumphs and, yes, the flaws.

Those airballs, in overtime of a 98-93 Game 5 loss to the Jazz to end the 1997 Western Conference semifinals in Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, were revelatory even if we weren’t aware of it. Immediately afterward, Bryant – then an 18-year-old rookie – told us in the losing dressing room:

“My father (Joe “Jellybean” Bryant) always told me, ‘You win some and you’ve got to lose some too, but just make sure you learn from it and don’t let it get you down. Remember it during the summer, work hard and come back next year.’

“If we play this game again, I want the ball again. Tonight, I just didn’t come through, but there will be plenty more chances down the line.”

A couple of days later, when the Lakers were cleaning out their Forum lockers before heading home for the summer, he elaborated: “You’ve got to put it behind you. But, yeah, you have to pull it out at the appropriate time. When it’s summertime and you’re a little tired, a little down, you’re hurting and you don’t feel like working out, you pull it out of your memory bank and remember the situation. Hopefully, that can give me a little boost.”

It did, for years to come. And much of what made Kobe Kobe, and more than occasionally led to friction with, um, teammates who were less committed, was his strong, overriding belief that if he worked as hard as he could, why shouldn’t his teammates do the same?

Former coach Phil Jackson, who had his own moments with Headstrong Kobe through the years, recalled at Thursday’s celebration a conversation he had with Bryant regarding his teammates’ feeling that he didn’t hang around with the guys enough. Jackson said he told Bryant that if he ever wanted to be team captain he shouldn’t be so standoffish.

“Well, I should be captain now,” Bryant said, before responding: “All they think about is girls, hubcaps, whatever. I’m watching the game. It’s serious business for me.”

“And,” Jackson said, “that’s how he was.”

Those memories, and more, were recalled Thursday before the unveiling of the first of what Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, said would ultimately be three statues – the one wearing No. 8, which was unveiled Thursday, to be followed by another with Gianna and a third in which he will be wearing No. 24.

Who else could pull off a mid-career number change the way Bryant did? He scored 16,866 points in 10 seasons and 707 games as No. 8, winning three championships. He scored 16,717 points in 638 games and won a regular-season MVP award and two more championships as No. 24.

“Those points, those wins, those trophies, they weren’t just statistics,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said. “They were moments that transformed us and brought joy to Laker fans in this city and across the world.”

We know that, for sure. The evidence, in part: The number of young men who grew up with the name Kobe or derivatives thereof, the number of Laker fans who wear No. 8 or No. 24 jerseys to this day, and the murals that have materialized throughout Southern California honoring Kobe, and often Gianna.

And, of course, all of those who believe in, and attempt to practice, what Bryant termed the Mamba Mentality.

“When we talk about the Mamba Mentality, it’s not just about you,” said Derek Fisher, a longtime Bryant teammate and now a high school coach at Crespi. “And for the guys and girls that wear the shoes and wear the jerseys and you talk about the Mamba Mentality, if you ain’t winning, you ain’t winning. And that’s what the Mamba Mentality was also about as well, to push everybody to be their best, not just you.

“… Kobe transcended basketball, the boundaries of the court. He touched the lives of all of us who had the privilege to know him. So in his memory, let us continue to strive for excellence, lead with unwavering dedication, and be the culture shifters that define the legacy of a true legend.”

Nobody can predict the future, but this should have been an occasion where Kobe could hear the tributes, accept the plaudits, offer his thanks and see the statue into which, according to Vanessa, he had input.

Dammit, he should have been there.

jalexander@scng.com

“And that he did.” pic.twitter.com/H9WDT4ymiD

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 9, 2024

Immortalized forever.

"The House that Kobe built" pic.twitter.com/y86G2xILwE

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

“He wanted to be the best that he could possibly be. He wanted to be the best period.” Pau Gasol speaks on Kobe’s determination and how he made him a better person. pic.twitter.com/OTty8rJdwF

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

Jerry West speaks on Kobe Bryant’s incredible career and what it took to draft him to the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/vl7tPgG86C

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

Magic Johnson speaks on Kobe being a family man, his legacy, and being loved worldwide. pic.twitter.com/gvwXAAzgLB

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

“It almost comes alive. Looking at it you can feel Kobe, you can see Kobe, you can hear his voice.” James Worthy speaks on how special Kobe Bryant’s statue is and his impact on the city of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/HS0eiYg7r5

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 9, 2024

"You can't write something better than this."

Mamba Forever. pic.twitter.com/oMA1BtmmZO

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 8, 2024

• 

  From left, former Lakers player Derek Fisher, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, Vanessa Bryant and longtime Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz pose together on stage at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• 

  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  The Lakers unveil a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant, the first of three to pay tribute to the franchise legend, on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, smiles during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Lakers owner Jeanie Buss speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• 

  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

• 

  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers Derek Fisher, left, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar greet each other on the stage at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers star Magic Johnson, left, speaks to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Laker Derek Fisher speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant, his longtime teammate, on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  From left, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Lakers player Derek Fisher, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, longtime Lakers broadcaster Stu Lantz and Vanessa Bryant are seen on stage at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  From left, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Lakers player Derek Fisher, former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Vanessa Bryant are seen on stage at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of the franchise icon that is planned for the plaza outside the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

• 

  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speaks at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Former Lakers player Pau Gasol is seen during the ceremony unveiling the statue for late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  The Lakers unveil the latest statue honoring one of their franchise legends, the late Kobe Bryant, on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. The 19-foot, 4,000-pound bronze likeness depicts Bryant in his No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, sits on a chair during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  NBA commissioner Adam Silver is seen during the ceremony unveiling the statue for late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant on Thursday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, sits on a chair during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

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  Former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gives a thumb’s up during the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, greet each other during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Lakers legend on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar waits his turn to speak at the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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  Former Lakers star Magic Johnson is interviewed at the ceremony for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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  Lakers fan Steve Sanchez of Los Angeles was on hand for the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Kobe Bryant on Thursday at Crytpo.com Arena. The statue is the first of three of Bryant planned for the arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

LOS ANGELES — The Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant on Thursday, immortalizing their late superstar with a 19-foot bronze likeness outside of Crypto.com Arena – with more physical tributes to honor his legacy still to come.

The pose for the statue was one of the league’s best-kept secrets.

In a 20-season career filled with iconic moments, picking one to capture his on-court legacy wasn’t an easy task.

But it was a decision Bryant made before he passed away more than four years ago, according to his widow, Vanessa Bryant, who unveiled the statue in front of more than 700 people, a gathering consisting of friends, family, dozens of Laker greats, former teammates and limited season-ticket members.

“For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see,” Vanessa said, “so if anyone has any issues with it, tough s—. It is what it is.”

The 4,000-pound statue depicts Bryant in his No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance in a victory over the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006.

The sculpture is surrounded by replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, representing the five NBA championships the team won during Bryant’s career. The triangular base – a nod to former Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter’s famed triangle offense, the bedrock of the Lakers’ success in the 2000s – is etched with “KOBE BEAN BRYANT” and his nickname “Black Mamba” and also features the box score from his 81-point game. It also features a Bryant quote: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”

“I think of Kobe constantly, and I miss him and Gigi more than words can say,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said. “But today, I’m filled with joy because, in the future, I know fans will gather here in the shade of this statue beside this building where Kobe gave us so many memories, and we will share what he meant to us. As we do so, we will motivate a new generation to emulate the Mamba Mentality.”

Vanessa Bryant said during the dedication ceremony that the statue is the first of three that will be created to honor the five-time NBA champion and top scorer in Lakers history, who retired in 2016. Another statue will feature Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, which he wore for the second half of his career, while a third will depict Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, who died with him and seven others in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas.

Bryant’s death has scarcely dimmed the shine of his presence in Los Angeles, where he remains a beloved icon of his adopted city. He and his daughter are featured in hundreds of vibrant public murals across the region.

“Kobe has so many people that have supported him all over the world from the very beginning, and this moment isn’t just for Kobe, but it’s for all of you that have been rooting for him all of these years,” Vanessa Bryant said. “To the fans here in L.A., this is a special city Kobe was so proud to represent. You welcomed him with open arms and have been so important to him, our family, and his legacy.

“It brings me joy to see how much love you have for all of us. We love you back.”

Vanessa Bryant spoke at the ceremony after remarks from Buss, former teammate Derek Fisher, Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

“This statue is a wonderful contribution. This statue may look like Kobe, but really it’s what excellence looks like,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “What discipline looks like. What commitment looks like. … It captures a person frozen in time, while at the same time acknowledges that the reason there is a statue in the first place is because that person is timeless. We’re all here today to honor a man who represents not just extraordinary sports achievement, but also timeless values that inspire us all to try harder to be not just better, but our best.”

The date of the ceremony held extra meaning, representing the No. 2 jersey worn by Gianna, as well as the Nos. 8 and 24 jerseys Bryant wore during his 20-year NBA career with the Lakers.

Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star who won two NBA Finals MVPs and one regular-season MVP award with the Lakers, retired as the first player in league history to play at least 20 seasons with a single franchise.

He holds several franchise records, including but not limited to: points (33,643), steals (1,944), 3-pointers (1,827), regular-season games played (1,346), playoff points (5,640), playoff games played (220) and playoff 3-pointers (292).

His 81-point game against the Raptors remains the second-most points for a player in an NBA game.

“The night he got 81, we needed all those points,” Jackson said. “They were running a zone against us, and we devised a little offensive system that would exaggerate Kobe having a one-on-one opportunity with either a power forward, a small forward or Jalen Rose. He ate that up.”

The Lakers retired Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys on Dec. 18, 2017, and he was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 15, 2021.

“He wasn’t just a champion,” Fisher said. “He was unmatched. A rare specimen that left opposing players in awe, teammates inspired. He didn’t just play the game. He defined it. That’s really what it was like to be around him on a daily basis. He set the standard. He broke records. The legacy he leaves behind are foundations upon which current players and future players build their dreams.”

Bryant is the seventh Laker (and sixth player) to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside of the arena that was known as Staples Center throughout Bryant’s career, joining Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jerry West and longtime broadcaster Chick Hearn.

“I hope that’s what that place and that statue becomes for his fans around the world: a place to go and, and feel his presence and feel his inspiration in our lives,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, who was Bryant’s longtime agent.

They didn’t do anything.

Didn’t lay down a bunt.

Didn’t plug any holes.

Didn’t get better.

Let the whole trade deadline day go by Thursday, and didn’t improve, not even 1%.

And what if, in a few months, everyone’s asking: What if a minor move back on Feb. 8 might have headed off major consequences?

Because the ninth-place Lakers – a yo-yo-ing 27-25 entering play Thursday against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets – clung tight to their core.

Inspired perhaps by those Nuggets, who swept them in the Western Conference finals last season, the Lakers continue to embrace the notion of building continuity – and that’s cool, so long as Coach Darvin Ham keeps it in mind when he’s drawing up his rotations.

They didn’t trade D’Angelo Russell just to trade D’Angelo Russell. They didn’t splurge just because.

What the Lakers want you to keep in mind, fans, is that they held on to assets that will help them try to ply a third star – think of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell – away from his current team in the offseason, when they can offer a package with potentially three first-round draft picks.

But that cloak of responsibility is concealing their irresponsibility: This team desperately seeking wing defense also didn’t find a way to fill its Jarred Vanderbilt-sized void.

It’s possible they know something we on the outside don’t. Perhaps they have a reasonable expectation that Vando’s foot injury won’t keep him out for the rest of the season. And maybe there is reason for optimism about guard Gabe Vincent’s return-to-competition timeline, too.

But barring their swift and full recoveries, it would have been prudent for the Lakers not to stand pat, but to secure, say, Dorian Finney-Smith. He sure would have helped defend the perimeter, a darn-near necessity in the playoffs if the Lakers don’t want to see, say, Denver’s Jamal Murray shine like a superstar against them again. Or if they have any hope of containing the Clippers’ perennial All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

And yet the Lakers didn’t find a way to get a deal done for Finney-Smith. They didn’t come to terms with a Brooklyn Nets team that was selling, that shipped another reliable defender, Royce O’Neale, to the Phoenix Suns to shore up their defensive shortcomings – and for the very reasonable price of three second-round picks.

The currently fifth-place Suns got a little better, and the eighth-place Dallas Mavericks did too, dealing for Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, capable frontcourt contributors.

Did those moves automatically launch the Suns and Mavs into the stratosphere of the Nuggets and Clippers? Nope. How about the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder? Nah.

But those acquisitions did crack open the window another inch or two for those teams’ star duos, worthwhile because when you’ve got Kevin Durant and Devin Booker or Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, you have a chance.

And an even slightly better chance is still a better chance. An incrementally better chance is still a better chance. A moderately better chance is, yeah, you get it. It’s better!

Sending out the signal that you’ll be better off waiting until next season to make a big splashy move delivers another message: You’re taking LeBron James for granted. You’re taking your star pairing of LeBron and Anthony Davis for granted. You’re taking your chance for granted.

That’s quite the gamble, especially because the New York Knicks (and others) could outbid the Lakers for Mitchell this offseason, if he’s traded at all.

Especially risky when James has been sending all of his own signals, smoke delivered via eye rolls and emojis, easily decipherable to anyone who’s become relatively fluent in LeBron these past 21 years.

The everything’s-fine Lakers are playing with fire.

Because what happens when a playoff series is lost in the margins? And what if it isn’t the annoyance of the Nuggets repeating that Lakers fans are feeling this summer, or discontent borne of these Boston Celtics breaking through – but what if it’s finally, actually the Clippers’ year?

What if L.A.’s other team, no longer dysfunctional nor merely aspirational, wins a banner to hang when it opens the dazzling new Intuit Dome?

And then LeBron leaves.

What if the man who would like to maximize the maximum amount of opportunities he has left late in his career takes his talents elsewhere, either in free agency or via trade demand?

Insult on top of ignominy, that’s what.

Imagine L.A.’s other team, its less popular one, the one that didn’t need to make any trades on Thursday, securing its place, on the court, as the city’s premier franchise.

Picture the Clippers defending a championship as the Lakers defend a rebuild.

That’s far from a foregone conclusion, for sure, but the Lakers have left themselves susceptible to a major disaster, one that might have been avoided with a minor adjustment in February.

The Lakers not making a trade signals two things: They like their roster as is and believe the current group can be better than its current 27-25 record reflects. And any realistic trade wouldn’t upgrade the team in a meaningful way.

With the deadline behind them, the organization’s focus will turn toward the buyout market. The Lakers have an open standard roster spot and can offer a prorated salary of the remainder ($1.9 million) of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception – more than most teams can offer – after using a chunk of it to sign guard Gabe Vincent last offseason.

The Lakers are also hopeful Vincent, who has been sidelined for all but five games because of left knee ailments, and forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who is sidelined because of a sprained right foot, can be impactful players for them once returning from injury.

Since they stood pat, the Lakers will have three tradable first-round draft picks during this offseason (beginning July 1) –  compared to just the one they had at their disposal ahead of Thursday’s deadline – in their expected pursuit of a high-caliber, All-Star-level player.

“You can’t worry about things you can’t control and you can’t focus on the unknown,” Ham said after practice ended.

The Lakers are coming off a 4-2 “Grammy” road trip – including three consecutive wins over the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets.

Their three-game winning streak is their longest stretch of victories since winning four straight in early December, a run that ended with the In-Season Tournament title game victory over the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.

“What I know is we won three really good games in a row,” Ham said. “Guys are in a good place, we’re in a good rhythm. We’re gonna plan on getting some guys back healthy here pretty soon. Anything else, it’s irresponsible to speak on.”

Although Ham won’t address it, that won’t slow the deadline-related speculation that has been swirling for weeks.

And there’s one Laker whose name has been consistently mentioned in trade rumors over the past few months: D’Angelo Russell.

Russell’s name has been mentioned in the Lakers’ trade discussions, with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reporting that the 27-year-old guard was brought up in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks.

“I don’t care,” Russell responded after Monday’s victory over the Hornets when asked how he deals with the trade speculation. “Show up to work. That’s it.”

Since returning from a bruised tailbone, Russell has averaged 22.2 points (46.3% shooting overall, 44.9% from 3-point range), 6.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 16 games.

When asked if how he’s played over the last few weeks has given him peace of mind knowing he’s done everything he could, Russell alluded to his $17.3 million salary for this season as part of a two-year contract ($18.7 million player option for 2024-25) as a reason his name is brought up in a variety of trade scenarios.

“I can’t control that my contract makes sense to be traded,” Russell said. “Just play. You can’t control that.”

Russell waived his implied no-trade clause when he signed the two-year deal with the Lakers last offseason. He provided insight into that decision.

“I just thought it made sense,” Russell said. “I’ve been here before, I played for the Lakers before, so I know what the requirements are to be successful here: if you’re part of the future here you’ll be successful. If you’re not, you’ll get traded. And I’ve been traded before here. So, my approach is just a little different.

“I really just genuinely, humbly don’t care because I know I can’t control it, one. And, two, I just won’t allow my mind to go there.”

Adding to the uncertainty on Wednesday is the fact that Russell, who attended practice but did not participate, underwent a mysterious treatment for an undisclosed injury on Tuesday, as The Athletic’s Jovan Buha was among the first to report. Russell was not listed on the injury report for Thursday’s game, which was released later in the evening.

Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, Raptors guard/wing Bruce Brown and Nets wings/forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale are players the Lakers have reportedly shown interest in.

While speaking on ESPN’s “NBA Today” on Wednesday afternoon, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski discussed the Lakers’ plans ahead of the deadline.

“For [the Lakers], their calculus has changed in recent weeks with the re-emergence of D’Angelo Russell as their point guard,” Wojnarowski said. “Maybe three weeks to a month ago, he was very available. And I think the Lakers thought there might be some opportunities to upgrade on him. That isn’t the case right now.

“Players who the Lakers have had interest in: Dejounte Murray, Bruce Brown, specifically with Brown, it’s really hard for them to make the money work on a trade without putting D’Angelo Russell in. And that doesn’t make sense for them.”

The Lakers, who enter Thursday at 27-25, have gone 10-6 over the last month. When asked if the team’s play during the recent road trip showed the current group should continue to be invested in, four-time league MVP LeBron James responded: “This is who we have, so there’s nothing else to talk about.”

When later asked about the makeup of the roster and whether changes need to be made, James responded: “It’s not a question for me. I love who we have in the locker room. And that’s all I worry about. I don’t get caught up in that. We’re gonna go out and prepare ourselves every single night no matter what it is. No matter who’s on this team.

“So it’s my job and it’s [Anthony Davis’] job as the two captains to make sure we keep the main thing the main thing. The main focus is now: Thursday’s game at home. And look forward to that matchup.”

KOBE’S STATUE

Before the Lakers take on the Nuggets, the team will unveil a bronze statue for late franchise icon Kobe Bryant at Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The unveiling of the Kobe Bryant statue will air live on Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet+ beginning at 3 p.m., with the full ceremony available for viewing on the Lakers’ official website.

Public access to the statue will be limited on Thursday, but fans can visit the statue starting Friday morning.

“It’s well-deserved, the impact he made on the league and more specifically this franchise, this community,” Ham said. “Just his excellence across the board, on the court, off the court. It’s gonna be a monumental day. It’s very much well-deserved. Time to reflect and be thankful for everything he provided that we got to witness.”

NUGGETS AT LAKERS

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Where: Crypto.com Arena

TV/radio: TNT/710 AM