Hint for Helping Lakers Is Definitely Off-Center
Some advice for Jerry West, in case he hasn’t thought of it: In reviving the Lakers, don’t go for a big-name center.
In this age of fast breaks, three-point shots, and quick perimeter passing, the center is of little significance anymore.
Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson were all supposed to bring certain rings. Instead, championships are won with guys such as Laimbeer and Cartwright, and nearly won with a Duckworth or a Divac.
It has been a decade since a center was MVP or even close. With the athletic guards and forwards of today, rebounding isn’t even essential out of the man in the middle.
It is the age of defense, quickness, three-pointers and transition game. Even if you lose the opening tip, you still get the ball to open the next two quarters.
RICK WALLACE
Malibu
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