L.A. Rider? They Can’t Believe It

It turns my stomach to picture Isaiah Rider in a Laker uniform. The proudest uniform in sports, the one worn by my heroes, is now a symbol of the win-at-all-costs mentality so prevalent in sports today. Rider can only upset the delicate balance of this championship team, cause friction between Kobe and Shaq and, worst of all, disgrace the uniform I was once so proud of.

JOHN CLARKE

Laguna Niguel

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Mitch Kupchak’s bold move in signing Isaiah Rider shows that he is not afraid to step out of Jerry West’s shadow and make whatever moves are necessary to bring back-to-back championships to Los Angeles. Yes, Rider has a checkered past, but there is something about winning championships and playing for the Lakers that will bring the best out of him. Two enthusiastic thumbs-up to Mitch for taking that chance. West was “Mr. Clutch” but Kupchak has shown too that he has what it takes to keep the Lakers on top.

J. SCOTT SCHEFFER

Adelanto

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Is this what we have to look forward to with the post-West Lakers? The signing of Isaiah (How Many Bridges Can I Burn?) Rider signals another step on the Lakers’ downward spiral. Trading Eddie Jones for Glen Rice, signing Dennis Rodman, now this boondoggle. A few more shrewd moves and they could field a lineup with Rider and Nick Van Exel at guard, Shawn Kemp and Cedric Ceballos at forward, and they probably could talk Benoit Benjamin into returning.

With a simple name change, we could have the L.A. Raiders back. At least the Clippers have their players for a while before they become disappointing malcontents.

BEN and PATTY COATS

Ventura

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The Lakers are looking at Isaiah Rider through Strawberry-colored glasses.

LARRY LASSETER

Brea

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Mitch Kupchak’s first move as general manager is a repeat of Jerry West’s biggest mistake (Dennis Rodman).

BRANDON DUNNE

El Monte

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So the Lakers waive resident do-gooder and Laker legend A.C. Green and sign the drug-offending, fan-spitting malcontent Isaiah Rider. When can I expect that apocalypse?

JOHN COMES

San Clemente