Before Ballots Are Cast, Word for Michael Jordan

Magic Johnson of the Lakers is having a terrific year and is being prominently mentioned as deserving of the NBA’s most-valuable-player award.

However, as its name implies, this award is supposed to go, not necessarily to the best player, but rather to the player most valuable to his team . Using this criterion, it must surely go to Michael Jordan. Without Johnson, the Lakers would still be a very good team. Without Jordan, the Chicago Bulls would be a nothing team.

GREGORY A. PEARSON

Santa Monica