Sparing a Little Space for Two Classy Lakers

Lost in all the attention swirling around the huge Laker egos was the fact that the classiest Laker of all, Derek Fisher, is leaving the team for Golden State.

Shaq was the Diesel, the general. Kobe was the star. And, through it all Fish was the quiet glue of team play. How he kept his cool playing behind Payton (especially when Payton disappeared during the playoffs) I’ll never know.

Fish, from one true fan, thanks for all you gave to the team. You will be missed.

Russ Robinson

Los Angeles

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When I was a young man growing up in Phoenix, nothing was more exciting than watching the Lakers on Sunday afternoon. During that time, my favorite player was Rudy LaRusso. He was a smooth man acting as the enforcer to those rough and tough times.

So we say goodbye to Rudy L. and welcome Rudy T.

Jim Rath

Santa Paula