http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~29583~2284456,00.html The Lakers ended their Summer Pro League season Tuesday with a 5-2 record after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 106-103 at the Pyramid. While wins and losses weren't necessarily the most important thing this summer, the coaching staff did like the way their young team responded. Especially in crunch time. "The most important thing was that we got a chance to evaluate our talent," Lakers co-coach Bill Bertka said. "But at the same time, when your competitive juices start flowing and it's a close game in the fourth quarter like today was, sure you want to win. "You want to see how players compete under fire, in crunch time when the pressure is on. I think guys like Sasha Vujacic, Tony Bobbitt and Nate Johnson impressed us today with the way they played." Regulars ailing: The Lakers' original SPL team that took the floor last week had players like Luke Walton, Kareem Rush and Brian Cook in the starting lineup. But due to a rash of injuries, that threesome only played together twice during the summer before all three got hurt. "Luke sprained his wrist so he couldn't play, Kareem had a foot problem all season long that flared up again and Brian has a hip condition," Lakers trainer Gary Vitti said. "The one player that disappointed us the most is Brian. "When the season was over, he started to work out using his own program and that's how he got hurt again. When he let us take care of him, he was fine. He's a good kid, he just showed bad judgement this time." Happy return: When Rudy Tomjanovich takes over this year as the Lakers' coach, he'll have a familiar face by his side. After spending five years as a Lakers assistant coach under Phil Jackson, Frank Hamblin will return for his sixth season as an assistant under Tomjanovich. When asked on Tuesday why he's returning for his 36th year as a coach in the NBA, Hamblin said the Lakers are just too hard to resist. "I love the Lakers and you don't get many chances to be a part of an organization like this," Hamblin said. "You know, I drafted Rudy out of college in 1970 and he's a wonderful person and we have lots of history together." Teacher's aide: Now that Vlade Divac is officially a Laker again, he'll not only help the team with his play at center, but he figures to be a good tutor for their young big men. "I think Vlade can definitely help me," said second-round pick Marcus Douthit. "He's a veteran player, he's been through the wars and when he talks, you know I'll be listening." --

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