Lakers get a flailing grade

Shame on the NBA for being so childish and un-American by imposing fines on the Lakers and Phil Jackson for comments considered harmful to the NBA image.

I suggest that Jackson keep Kobe on the bench -- “coach’s decision” -- for the next 10-15 games in order to “protect” other competitors from such a “dirty” player. When the complaints start to come in from the fans, we will then see if the NBA thinks Kobe helps or hurts their image.

JON MILLS

Sun City

*

Commenting on the penalties imposed on Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson claims that NBA basketball is a “man’s game.” If that is so, then he and Kobe ought to act like men and gracefully accept the penalties.

JACK ALLEN

Pacific Palisades

*

When you pay your coach $10 million a year, and your team doesn’t win, the coach better come up with some good excuses. Look at it that way, and Phil Jackson is worth every penny.

RICHARD DE SANTIS

Tarzana

*

When Phil Jackson took over the Bulls, the team had been nurtured and taught by Doug Collins. When he took over the Lakers, the team had been nurtured and taught by Del Harris. These teams were ready to take the next step and Jackson was the coach to do it.

However, the shine has finally worn off Jackson’s star. He has proved that he cannot teach and develop young players. Regardless of injuries, this team was not growing and maturing into what would be considered a good team.

The rap against Jackson has always been that he was in the right place at the right time. He is proving all of us doubters correct. Without multiple veteran stars and superstars, he is as ordinary a coach as there is in the NBA.

GENO APICELLA

Burbank

*

With all due respect to Phil Jackson, I agree and disagree with his position.

I agree that it is a ridiculous precedent for the league to start watching game tapes to spot the types of infractions Kobe is now committing regularly.

I disagree because the “Kobe Flail” looks about as genuine as the “Vlade Flop” and as natural as the shape of Barry Bonds’ head.

Trying to actually make a shot in a tight game to keep it from going to overtime, as in the recent Minnesota game, might be a better plan than trying to get the referees to call a foul using “The Flail.”

MARK ROBINSON

Santa Monica

*

So Phil Jackson doesn’t want his players to be known as “dirty.” Maybe it would help if they took an occasional shower and refrained from elbowing other players in the face.

Until then, if the shoe fits, wear it.

JONNY ENRIQUEZ

Buena Park

*

Maybe Phil can put this on the locker room bulletin board:

“THE LAKERS HAVE BECOME PAINFUL TO WATCH!”

I guess there’s always arena football or the Weather Channel.

STEVE LAROCHELLE

Chatsworth