Now they have to think about future

PHOENIX — Phil Jackson didn’t want to go there.

“We’re not talking about next year,” he said before Game 5.

There will be plenty of talking throughout the summer, undoubtedly, as the Lakers try to decide who stays and who goes on a team that finished 42-40 in the regular season and was eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in five games, two steps backward for a franchise that went 45-37 last season before taking the Suns to seven games.

Kobe Bryant has four years left on his contract and obviously won’t be going anywhere. From there, the twists and turns begin.

Of greatest importance: Will 19-year-old Andrew Bynum again be protected from inquiring teams? He was not moved during the February trade deadline, but slumped badly in the final three months of the season and his status will be revisited. Basically, the Lakers must decide how committed they are toward continuing to develop him in light of trade offers that may come their way.

The Lakers must also figure out what to do with unrestricted free agent Luke Walton, who was limited at the end of the season because of lingering ankle problems but averaged career-bests of 11.4 points, five rebounds and 4.3 assists during the regular season. He made a relatively affordable $1.4 million this season and is expected to at least triple his salary.

Kwame Brown has one more season left on his contract for $9.1 million, and Lamar Odom has two seasons and $27.4 million left on his contract. Neither player is considered untouchable, and both are looking at possible surgery during the off-season -- Odom on his shoulder and, less likely, Brown on his ankle.

“After we play our last game, I’ll weep for a day, cry for a day, and then we’ll see where we’re at,” Odom said before Game 5.

Free agents Smush Parker and Aaron McKie are not expected back next season. Free agents Shammond Williams and Chris Mihm could be back, but would have to take pay cuts.

Maurice Evans, Ronny Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic are under contract for one more season, Brian Cook for three more seasons and Vladimir Radmanovic for four more seasons.

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Jordan Farmar started Game 5 despite Jackson’s suggestion he might go back to reserve status. He had 11 points and two assists in 25 minutes.... Radmanovic was put on the inactive list for a fourth consecutive game. He averaged a career-low 6.6 points during the regular season and did not log any playing time in the playoffs.

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