Once again Bill Plaschke got it wrong. Kobe is not the culprit here. The Lakers cannot win any series until Lamar Odom decides to show up. That coupled with their inability to listen to Phil Jackson and force-feed Gasol and Bynum is killing them. Lamar is the best coast-to-coast player in the league, but he is playing now like he has no talent. Phil has told him, now Kobe, Pau and Ron have told him. He is not listening. Wake up, dude, before it's too late.
They also need to do to Russell Westbrook what they did to Tony Parker a few years ago, knock him to the floor once in a while when he sashays into the paint so easily. Bring in a bench player to foul him hard and keep the bigs out of foul trouble. This guy is playing like he thinks he's Jordan, or Wade, so put him back in his place.
Dirk Hennesey
Granada Hills
::
Like all aging great athletes, Kobe Bryant is trying to turn back the clock. Unfortunately, the dial is set for the 2004 Finals.
Joseph P. Schimps
Santa Monica
::
If Phil benches Kobe for not feeding the ball into Gasol and Bynum, he should be awarded coach of the year.
Russell Hosaka
Torrance
::
While I understand the concern regarding Kobe Bryant's injuries as of late, I cannot help to think that calling Kobe an X-factor [Mark Heisler, April 20] seems a little far-fetched. While I agree his efficiency with his shot must improve in order for the Lakers to even think about repeating, it is his hunger, dedication and sacrifice to play hurt that even has us in this position in the first place, and we should be looking to shower him more with praise rather than blame.
Ben Wright
Oak Park
::
Note to Ron Artest. Perhaps more time in the gym working on jump shots and less time drawing attention to yourself by looking like a fool. Lakers fans support passion, competiveness, work ethic and hustle — not haircuts.
Ron Roberts
Encino
::
What is it Mark Twain once said? "Reports of the Lakers' superiority are greatly exaggerated?"
Dennis Petticoffer
Orange
Showing their stripes
Somebody should put a muzzle on David Stern, the NBA's resident control freak.
The overall officiating has been shabby, inconsistent and sometimes game-altering; but nobody, the coaches or the players, can express their concerns or frustrations.
Well, as a fan, I have no qualms in saying that the referees need to tighten things up and perform better on their jobs. Enforce the rules and be fair, because lately, you're all over the place and it's hurting the games.
Now, should I look for a fine or will the TV signals be scrambled coming to my place?
Steve LaRochelle
Chatsworth
::
Simply watch the exaggerated body gestures of the officials when making a call in favor of the home team as opposed to the same calls in favor of the road team and tell me they're not playing to or influenced by a roaring crowd. For David Stern to deny this smacks of either delusion or collusion.
Jerry Leibowitz
Culver City
Hanging Chad
There's a scene in the 1988 movie "Bull Durham" where one of the coaches for the Durham Bulls remarks that their rookie pitching sensation has a "million-dollar arm and a five -cent brain."
Now fast-forward to 2010 and substitute Chad Billingsley's name for that of Nuke LaLoosh.
Do you think the Dodgers could hire Kevin Costner to coach Billingsley?
You have to feel bad for Joe Torre, and even more so for Dodgers' fans that have to watch performances like Billingsley's three-inning outing Tuesday against the Reds.
Next time "Nuke" pitches, I think I'll go rent a movie.
John Schultz
Sherman Oaks
::
If Billingsley can pitch only two good innings, then he is better off as a middle reliever.
Jimmy Corona
Diamond Bar
The Voice
I woke up, grabbed the Sunday paper and went straight to the sports section expecting to see an article (a front-page article at that) on Vin Scully's 60th anniversary with the Dodgers. Nothing. Nothing?
It's pointless to argue why Vin's anniversary with the team is so special. But between the McCourt divorce, Manny's suspension last year and then just the frequency at which players come and go on pro sports teams these days, Dodgers' fans treasure him for his character, his brilliant mic work and his long history with the team.
Please don't blow it on his 70th anniversary.
Richard Kratt
Woodland Hills
::
It's time for Dodger baseball. No, it's time for the greatest baseball announcer of all time, Vin Scully, to have a statue in front of Dodger Stadium.
Bart Miller
Marina del Rey
::
Vin Scully: 82 or 28?
Ed Trivers
Lake Arrowhead
On his honor
One of the finest shows of truth, honesty, and sportsmanship happened Sunday when Brian Davis called a penalty on himself and thus gave Jim Furyk the win in a playoff at the Heritage.
But because it had nothing to do with tragedy, moral disgrace, etc. it didn't make the front page. It was stuck back on page 10.
I bet if Brian Davis called Jim Furyk a name that wasn't PC, it would have been all over the front page.
