They’re baaaack

Phil Jackson’s reducing Kobe’s minutes is wise. Less ball-hogging, less isolating one on one. A fresher Kobe at the end of the season, when it counts the most. With Andrew Bynum back, we could see a true offense with everyone contributing, instead of watching.

Then there is Pau Gasol. Will he be the turnover-prone, deer-in-the-headlights Pau we saw against Boston, or the fleet-footed dervish we saw in the Olympics? Time will tell, but the only way the Lakers will win it all is to have total teamwork and selfless play.

Gregg Freeman

Thousand Oaks

The question shouldn’t be whether Lamar Odom should come off the bench; the question should be, why is he still a Laker? In a city where Andruw Jones is vilified and booed (and properly so), Lamar Odom is the most overrated, overhyped and overpaid player in this city.

If Odom ever played with heart and consistency, he might be a very good player. However, the clock has run out on him and if wishes can come true, I will be happy to drive him to the airport and make sure he gets on his flight to somewhere else.

Geno Apicella

Burbank