Lakers Can Start Vacations Early

Let us join in mourning for the demise of the Once Proud Franchise Known As The Los Angeles Lakers.

With Kobe basically opting out for the rest of the season, various players suddenly developing “lingering” injuries, finger-pointing followed by denials, Mitch Kupchak absent scouting a high school player in Indiana, the television broadcast team taking an undeserved hit and Coach Frank Hamblen inquiring about the CBA, it is safe to say, “Folks, it’s over.”

Thanks a lot Jerry, Mitch.

Richard Green

Los Angeles

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This is in response to Mark Heisler’s accusatory letter to Dr. Jerry Buss on Sunday [April 3]. I have been a fan for 35 years. For the first time in 21 years in the beginning of the season I decided that I would not buy playoff tickets if and when the opportunity should arise.

All of this said, I have just six words to say about your letter to the Doctor: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

John Del Gatto

Manhattan Beach

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It is a poor reflection on our community that there is so much recent criticism of Jerry Buss. The guy has brought us eight championships in 25 years. No other owner in any sport has provided nearly the star power, excitement, success and thrilling glory that L.A. has enjoyed via the Lakers.

It was a rough year. They happen. (For about 20 teams in the NBA, they happen annually.)

What other choices do we have? Frank McCourt? Donald Sterling or the hockey people? Or, our most recent three choices in the NFL -- Al Davis, Georgia Frontiere and nobody?

The Lakers will be back. Buss is a local hero who should be revered.

Rick Wallace

Malibu

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To add insult to injury, not only were the Lakers eliminated from playoff contention Tuesday, but they were also passed by the Clippers in the standings.

Maybe The Times should consider taking the writer off the Lakers’ beat and have him cover the more deserving team, and use the Associated Press clippings for the Lakers? Or do you need to check with the Lakers’ new GM on that?

Mike McNiff

Costa Mesa

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Now that we have two Los Angeles baseball teams in the majors, it’s only fitting that we have two Clipper teams in the NBA.

Abel Baez

Lake Balboa

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When the Lakers lost in the Finals last year to the Pistons, someone wrote that a full house always beats a pair. This year, it can be said that just about anything beats one of a kind.

Mark Matsuno

Glendale