The Lakers honored Observer Sports Editor Mitch Chortkoff last week for his many years of covering the team.

Bob Steiner, who heads the Lakers’ public relations operation, made the presentation of Laker memorabilia at California Villa in Van Nuys, where Chortkoff has been recovering from surgery.

Chortkoff returned to work at the Observer’s Culver City office this week.

The Lakers’ presentation team consisted of Steiner, public relations director John Black, general manager Mitch Kupchak and longtime assistant coach and scout Bill Bertka.