Don’t Take Kupchak for Granted

Congratulations to Mitch Kupchak! For a decade, Jerry West, the greatest general manager in NBA history, struggled unsuccessfully to land an established power forward. In one bold move, Kupchak exchanged Glen Rice, an expendable player, for Horace Grant, an established power forward, tough rebounder, strong defender and adequate shooter. He also upgraded the Lakers’ bench by acquiring Greg Foster, an aggressive backup power forward and center.

Against all odds, with no leverage but demonstrating patience, wisdom and courage, Kupchak emerged from West’s giant shadow and significantly improved the Lakers.

TOM LALLAS, Los Angeles

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Now that Glen Rice has been traded to the Knicks, it gives us a moment to reflect upon the following: In the spring of ‘96, the Lakers had Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel, Cedric Ceballos, Elden Campbell, Anthony Peeler and George Lynch. While this core of young talent was perhaps never going to win an NBA title, they at the very least represented trading leverage by which the Lakers could acquire the right players to complement Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Now that these six players have essentially been traded for Robert Horry and Horace Grant, I guess the Lakers must feel that they are now officially “upgraded.”

KEVIN READING, Irvine

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It is almost comical to read the two different opinions from J.A. Adande and T.J. Simers on the Lakers’ big trade. Adande credits Mitch Kupchak for his solid guidance and persistence in getting something for Glen Rice. Simers, on the other hand, gives Kupchak no credit and says that David Falk should be referred to as the Lakers’ general manager. Then again, J.A. Adande is a professional writer and T.J. Simers is a professional idiot.

J. SCOTT SCHEFFER, Adelanto