Meanwhile, Back at the Kobe and Phil Show

After Kobe Bryant makes eight of 29 shots in a home loss to Seattle, “Coach� Jackson says, “We couldn’t overcome a tough shooting night by Kobe.�

That’s it? That’s all the Zen Master can muster up? Can someone tell me why Phil Jackson is getting $10 million a year?

MARK MATSUNO

Glendale

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Times writer Mike Bresnahan must have a problem with Kobe Bryant. After Wednesday’s loss to the Kings he states, “Bryant had 30 points on 12-for-28 shooting, marking the fourth consecutive game in which he failed to make half his shots.�

Of guards in the top 10 in scoring in the NBA, only one makes more than half his shots. It’s time that people stop criticizing Kobe or stop slanting their remarks to make a point. L.A. loves Kobe, and every time a writer or sports-talk personality badmouths him, the sounds they hear are dials turning and newspapers being put down.

RICHARD KARLISS

Malibu

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During the fourth quarter of the Laker-Seattle game, Chris Mihm landed awkwardly on his ankle and grimaced on the court obviously in severe pain. Instead of going on the court to check on his player’s health, Phil Jackson seemingly ignored his player’s welfare and worked up the team’s next play on his chalkboard. Mihm eventually was helped off the court and into the locker room by his fellow Lakers and Mr. Zen didn’t even glance over to see if Mihm was OK.

Sure, Coach Jackson is not the team doctor, but as the coach you think he would show a little compassion for his player. I know I would appreciate that concern from my boss.

RAUL FERNANDEZ

Redlands

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What’s missing from the Lakers’ alphabet? The D.

ALAN MATIS

Sherman Oaks