They didn’t hit the jackpot

Did David Stern lose a bet on those failed plastic NBA balls or something? How else could you explain the terribly lame musical show opening and the halftime show at the All-Star game Sunday? The Charles Barkley-Dick Bavetta race was far more entertaining than showing how bad Wayne Newton can lip-sync and just what wonderful results plastic surgery can do for you.

If this is what comes from bringing the NBA to Vegas ... Hello?

ROB WILSON

Santa Clarita

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The NBA All-Star weekend was an obvious success filled with great performances by players introduced as “the world’s greatest athletes.” How could this be, since there were no indications, no rumors, no accusations of steroid use? How could Wade, Green, Bryant and others perform such feats of athleticism without the assistance of BALCO?

DAN ANZEL

Los Angeles

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It appears the Feb. 20 article Mike Bresnahan wrote for the Kobe Bryant fan website ended up in my sports section. Let’s face it, Kobe has created an “I’ll send you out to the cornfield” mentality in the Lakers’ organization.

He is a perfect example of getting way too much credit for what he is handsomely paid to do. I can’t think of a more meaningless or appropriate award than an MVP of an All-Star game for him to win. Congratulations, Kobe!

JUAN BALBUENA

Shadow Hills

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Come on J.A. Adande, you must be Kidd-ing if you think Smush Parker (a decent backup guard) is going to lead the Lakers to the promised land. Or Andrew Bynum, before Kobe is burned out and ready to retire.

Every anti-Kidd argument you make is questionable:

“You don’t trade big for small.” Wrong -- this no longer is a center-dominated league. Can you say Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, Tony Parker, Allen Iverson? Need I go on?

Kidd wouldn’t be a good fit. Oh, please! Kobe gets an All-Star point guard who can actually run an offense and Lamar Odom gets to be a more comfortable third option, where he truly excels.

The triangle wouldn’t suit Kidd. Again, rubbish. He’s better than Derek Fisher or John Paxson and can easily adapt his superb ballhandling and passing skills.

Kidd could have been the answer.

RICK SOLOMON

Lake Balboa

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The current Lakers may lack determination on defense, but they do seem dedicated to winning Luke Walton the NBA MVP award this year.

CONNOR HASTINGS

Westwood

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Steve Nash is so MVP. Without him the Suns can’t find enough paint to make a “Will work for food” sign. With Nash they’re Van Gogh on wheels.

RICHARD ELLIOT

Los Angeles