Hello Kobe, Goodbye J.R. (They Hope)

Watching Kobe Bryant on the basketball court is really one of the true pleasures in sports. Many things have been said about him in the negative and certainly no one could fault Kobe for being bent out of shape. Thankfully Kobe has proven that he can put things behind him, rise to the occasion and thrill the Staples Center faithful with every breathtaking move.

Kobe Bryant may one day be called the greatest ever, but today he’ll have to settle for being L.A.’s favorite son.

KEVIN BROOKS, Westwood

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Ahhh. Sometimes growth and maturity can make a grown man cry. Seeing that Kobe learned something huge during his 10 games off made me blubber like a baby. Seeing Shaq make 60%-70% of his free throws made me whimper like a kitten. We can win the next 10 NBA titles with that kind of unselfish play and dedication.

First playoff game, they need to hand out those white hankies so we don’t flood the court with our tears of joy.

KELLY NELSON, Hollywood

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Phil, forget about assigning reading material to Kobe. At least three times a day Kobe should be required to view a tape of Tuesday night’s game against the Suns. It will remind him of what everyone else already knows--that when he concentrates on defense and teamwork the Lakers are the best team in the league.

It might also remind him of how much fun he was obviously having, not to mention the rest of the team. Of course if he continues to play like that, he won’t be the next Michael Jordan. He’ll be Michael, Magic and Bird, all rolled into one.

SUZANNE GAYLEY, Los Angeles

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The signing of Isaiah Rider has to go down in Laker history as one of the worst player personnel decisions on record. Clearly this spoiled-brat thug has no place on any team, let alone the defending champions.

Rider has been given every chance to succeed, yet continues to display complete disregard for Laker authority. Admit your mistake, Laker management, and dump this guy. No more excuses, no more heartfelt apologies, just send him off to the next sucker dazzled by his skill and promise and let us all forget the image of Isaiah Rider in a Laker uniform.

ERIC LINDBLAD, Santa Ana

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An emotional J.R. Rider begged the Lakers not to release him. Hey, J.R., maybe you should have learned how to use your alarm clock. Better yet, realize that your coach is Phil, not Phillip.

MATTHEW KERSTER, Redondo Beach