Star-Gazing at Staples Gets More Interesting

Mitch, from the bottom of my heart, I apologize.

John Higashi

Dana Point

The NBA Hall of Fame should see an increase in fan attendance now that they’ve officially changed the location from Springfield, Mass., to Los Angeles.

Steven Smullen

Torrance

Did Bill Plaschke lose the coin toss as to which side of the point/counterpoint he would write? What could be negative about four veteran potential Hall of Famers in the lineup?

Andrew Oshrin

Long Beach

The saddest thing about Mr. Plaschke’s article regarding the impending demise of the Lakers due to Mitch Kupchak’s pending acquisitions of Karl Malone and Gary Payton is that he is going to be the first one writing glowing articles about the Lakers and their success come June.

Eddie Khanbeigi

Anaheim Hills

As a loyal Laker fan, I am disappointed in the acquisitions of Karl Malone and Gary Payton. I would rather see the team lose with true Lakers than win with players that I’ve been rooting against for the last two decades. It is sad to see the Lakers becoming the New York Yankees of the NBA, acquiring championships instead of earning them.

Malone and Payton were incapable of winning championships by themselves and winning one on the coattails of Kobe and Shaq won’t be of much value. The true Laker fans that have an appreciation for loyalty won’t be rooting for Karl Malone next year and will find next year’s championship run to be disheartening.

Dara Sheik

San Francisco

I guess my question is naive, but what is the fun in signing Payton and Malone? Sure, Laker-haters are silenced for the next year, but doesn’t that take the fun out of it for Laker fans as well, knowing that there is no challenge out there? Yes, the Spurs with Kidd might have extended the Lakers to seven, but come on, a lineup with four Hall of Famers can’t lose any series.

If the league was half a joke before (see the East), it is a total joke now.

Spencer Persson

Los Angeles

Karl Malone, I think I speak for many Laker fans when I admit to having disliked you for the past 18 years. I respected your ability, but as a member of one of the Lakers’ biggest rivals in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I had to hate you. Plus, you made it easy.

Upon hearing that you were willing to forgo a lot of money to play for a championship here, I was impressed. When this action became instrumental in allowing the Lakers to get Gary Payton, I gained new respect for you and felt some gratitude. My attitude was changing. If I could cheer for Rodman, I could cheer for you too, right?

However, when you announced that you would accept Magic’s gracious offer and wear his retired No. 32, I remembered why I disliked you.

I know you have sacrificed a lot to come to Lakers, but please, choose another number. Wear your Dream Team number, that would be appropriate. Please. I’m trying to like you. I really am.

Paul Habib

San Gabriel

After all these years, Karl Malone finally realized that the only true way to protect Magic Johnson’s No. 32 Laker jersey is to douse it with champagne.

Makayla Warren

Northridge

Dear Mitch Kupchak,

There are 97 days until the Lakers’ first preseason game. Please enjoy each and every one of them.

Andrew Ungvari

Los Angeles