Focusing on Losing Lakers

The Laker loss to the Sacramento Kings [Dec. 25] points out a common theme in understanding the team’s futility this season: Simply put, the Lakers are just not making their shots (loss of focus) and their porous defense (loss of focus) has led to an increased number of turnovers (loss of focus).

Also, after winning three consecutive championships, they have become fat (no pun intended) and do not seem to have the same desire (loss of focus) they had in the three previous seasons.

Anyone who knows NBA history is well aware that the last team to win four championships in a row was the Boston Celtics, back in the ‘60s. The difference between that team and the teams of today is, back then they played for more than fortune and fame: They played for pride. Today’s champs do not play for pride, they just get fat and lose focus.

Jeremy Smith

El Segundo

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What’s wrong with the Lakers? Three years ago Phil Jackson came here like Samson of old and for three years he slew all of the Philistines confronting his team.

Then, like the Samson of old, he underwent some very unfortunate barbering -- and that’s why every ass in the league who possesses a jawbone is now beating up on him and his players!

Grow it back, Phil -- and when the facial hair returns, so will the victories.

Paul Pumpian

Sunland

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Jack Kent Cooke was correct in getting rid of those Laker white home jerseys before the 1967-68 season. The reasoning? He said everybody would have color television by the end of that decade. If the Lakers want to go retro, why don’t they move back to the Forum or Sports Arena (hey, maybe that’s not a bad idea -- the upper-level seats were closer to the court and the parking was easier).

Dan Rendant

Arcadia

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I’ve been out of town for a while. When did the Lakers and Clippers exchange uniforms?

Joe Lyou

Gardena

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The Lakers are in midseason form. Mid-off-season.

Tom Schiff

Woodland Hills

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If the Lakers just got humiliated by the Sacramento “Queens,” what does that make the Lakers now ... the Los Angeles “Puddles”?

Charles Heo

Torrance

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Calling Jerry West! Calling Jerry West! We need you! Come in, Jerry! Hello? Can you hear me, Jerry?! Hello??? Hello???

Rick Mittleman

Tarzana