One Thing About the Bulls, They Sure Aren’t the Lakers

Mark Heisler, I agree it is getting to be old hat to see and read about the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan [June 9]. However, it beats the heck out of seeing the Laker “all-stars” get trampled four straight in the playoffs.

I would rather see and hear Michael Jordan than listen to old big mouth, Shaq, tell how he was going to take the game in his own hands and lay guys all over the floor.

Yes, it is old hat, but I’ll take winners any time.

C.J. GENTRY

Huntington Beach

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A few simple questions for any sportswriter with the guts to ask them:

“Coach Jackson, how do you justify playing Rodman to all those youth coaches out there struggling to instill respect, discipline and sportsmanship in our increasingly troubled youth?”

“Michael, how can you take the floor with a teammate who shows nothing but contempt and disrespect for you, your team and the game you love so much?”

“Krause and Reinsdorf, are you not ashamed that your dynasty can only win by employing someone who would not even be allowed to suit up for most other teams?”

“Dennis, when are you going to grow up and accept the responsibility that comes hand in hand with your natural talent; to respect the team, the fans and yourself. Several rebounds and a few lucky free throws do not make a basketball player worthy of admiration and emulation.”

JAMIE IMMEL

Santa Monica

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I’m afraid it no longer matters to anyone that Del Harris commands no respect from his players. The fact that he is perceived by the media (incorrectly) as a “nice guy” seems to be all that matters. Del’s a nice guy, so break up the most talented team in basketball. Trash everyone and keep the loser.

MICHEL KASSETT

Los Angeles

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The Jazz pick-and-roll the Lakers to death as the Lizard of Manchester can’t counter with a defense.

The Bulls’ Phil Jackson destroys the pick-and-roll and turns the Jazz into a slow fox trot.

And still the Laker brain trust contends a coaching change is not necessary.

The Lakers don’t need to play in a new arena. The brain trust should be committed to a mental institution.

CHARLES SELESNOW

Woodland Hills

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Larry Stewart has been hit in the head by too many basketballs. First, he is enamored of that wizened sage, Stu “That’s Right, Chick” Lantz. Then he bad-mouths Bob Costas [June 5]. You did get it right about Isiah Thomas, Larry. He doesn’t cut it.

VANCE LERNER

Highland

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After reading Mark Heisler’s NBA team rankings all season long, it’s time to do the same for your basketball writers:

Heisler: Surely Times employees are covered by a medical plan. Please approve spleen removal so we don’t have to get it in drips and drabs week by week.

Scott Howard-Cooper: Needs two days to adequately cover most recent game; tends to focus on previous game, past and future events. Always a day late.

Bill Plaschke: If The Times had a basketball team, he would be Howard-Cooper’s backcourt mate. These guys are half-court, slow-the-game-down players. The writing equivalent of a pass thrown to no one, a turnover.

J.A. Adande: Rookie of the year! A welcome breath of fresh air, even when he seems a bit off base.

J. FEDERICO RIBEIRO

Arcadia