Lakers Running Out of Excuses After Being Run Out of Chicago

With nearly one-third of the season completed, when are we going to stop hearing all the Lakers’ excuses? Yes, the Lakers have three rookies, but they also have five players who have been to the NBA finals.

I pay to watch a professional team, one that makes a lot of money, win. I cannot accept that their youth and inexperience lost the game to the Bulls. Poor coaching adjustments and poor personnel decisions cost them the game. The Lakers have talent and heart, but they don’t have a coaching staff worthy of taking this team to the next level.

GENO APICELLA

Los Angeles

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Why do I feel the Bulls could have outscored the Lakers 33-15 in every quarter if they had wanted to? The only way to find out is for them to meet in the NBA finals. Unfortunately, only Chicago will be there.

BROCK BERGLAS

Irvine

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In Mike Downey’s defense of the Lakers [Dec. 13], he provides explanations for virtually everyone on the team. Strangely missing from his analysis is the megamillion-dollar man, Elden Campbell. After a couple of pretty good years, Campbell has returned to his traditional role of a sullen slug who just gets in the way of other players and seems to be sleepwalking on the court.

WILLIAM BRADSHAW

San Diego