Let’s Open the Mail Bag and Take the Rubber Band Off Stack of ’87 : Thanks, Lakers, Celtics

EDITOR’S NOTE: These letters represent many of the best received by The Times in 1987, and reflect the leading issues and events discussed in Viewpoint during that period.

Can there be a greater rivalry than the Lakers and Celtics? Are there two teams that represent greater contrasts in styles? Are there two American cities more polar than these? Boston is rich in tradition and history; Los Angeles is a pioneer of sorts, some say iconoclastic, but certainly at the crest of many movements.

Having been raised in Southern California and then having the opportunity to live in Boston for six years, I have an understanding of both cities, their people, the teams and their fans. I love both cities--good and bad.

Most importantly, in a day when the Iran- Contra affair and Wall Street scandals discourage and frustrate many of us, it’s wonderful to have something as meaningless as a silly ballgame that can arouse our passions, make us care and bring us together.

J. JEFFREY STONE

Santa Monica