VIEWPOINT

I have been a die-hard Lakers fan for 30 years, and it pains me to write that, even if they win Sunday, I will have no pride in my team. People have talked about their arrogance, or lack of heart, but it really comes down to their sense of entitlement. Sadly, they still believe what the “experts” say -- that this series should have been over two games ago. When did that assumption come about? Before they played a game in this series.

All I can do is admire from afar what the people of Houston must be feeling for their team now.

David Reeder, Valencia

Now I understand. This is yet another ploy by the Zen Master to give the other teams a false sense of security. Let Denver and Cleveland think that the Lakers can’t shoot, can’t pass, can’t rebound and have no concept of defense. Let those others believe the Lakers have all the toughness of a cheese souffle. Won’t they be surprised when the real Lakers come out to play. Never fear, Lakers fans, because based on the last two games in Houston, we’ve got ‘em right where we want ‘em.

David Lawler

Santa Maria

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I have been a Lakers fan for over 30 years. Something dawned on me last night. If the players don’t care, then why should I?

Sandy Stock

Agoura Hills

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Game 6 recipe for defeat:

Take one team that can’t defend the point. Pressure Kobe Bryant into forced, difficult shots. Add teammates jacking up three-pointers and playing defense when they feel like it. Throw in one “unusual” coach whose substitutions make absolutely no sense and who finally calls timeout when his team is already down by double digits (13-1).

Mix that up against a hungry, determined team and, voila, it’s a Game 6 fiasco.

Warning! The above potion may be hard to swallow.

Rick Solomon

Lake Balboa

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If Phil Jackson is a Zen Master, it has no relation to any Buddhist philosophy that I’ve experienced. And it certainly isn’t translating to the players in purple and gold this playoff season. Dare we say it? The emperor has no clothes!

Bill Langley

Studio City

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It’s time for Phil Jackson to wake up and realize that Derek Fisher is too old and too slow to keep up with NBA guards. Two points, one assist and no rebounds (and no defense) in 21 minutes? Sorry, D Fish, we love you, but you don’t deserve to be in the starting lineup with those kind of stats.

Danielle Chaikin

Santa Barbara

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LeBron James is consumed by winning. Kobe Bryant is consumed by wanting people to believe that he is all about winning.

Andy Schwich

Santa Monica

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Lakers fans need not worry! Do you actually think that the NBA and the major networks that televise the playoff games want to see a Houston-Denver matchup?

Marc Popkin

Brentwood

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I’ve been around long enough to remember the ecstasy of the Lakers’ 33-game winning streak and the thrill of avenging that Memorial Day Massacre in Boston, but I guess I’ve not been around long enough to figure out this team.

Elmer Henderson

McDonough, Ga.