Abdul-Jabbar Not Too Old to Provide Inspiration

By suggesting early retirement for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar just because, at 41, he’s not playing as he did 10 or 20 years ago, Scott Ostler (Dec. 29) ignores the Laker center’s real value to this team--experience and inspiration.

Every year about this time, someone writes this team and Kareem off, and every year they’re right back in the thick of the championship race.

I think Ostler should offer to retire if the Lakers go all the way again. That will really give them some motivation.

KEN KRAGEN

Los Angeles