Lakers May Have Some Battles Ahead

Dateline Afghanistan: Phil Jackson reports on the progress of the Northern Alliance in the Afghan war:

“Well, after weeks of fighting and despite running their offensives incorrectly and just relying on their talent for battle, it appears that the Northern Alliance troops have managed to win a few battles and take some cities from the Taliban. They’re definitely off to a slow start but as the war drags on we may see them develop as a fighting force.�

David Ando

Rancho Palos Verdes

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The Times’ photographers seem to catch Shaquille O’Neal quite often with his tongue sticking out of his mouth. It may be just a silent way for Shaq to comment on his love affair with his coach, which became fully vocal in recent weeks.

Shaq should remember that he could very well hurt himself with this gesture. Instead of having to play only with his sore toes that have required surgery, he might have to be playing with a torn-up tongue.

Just a healthy reminder to Shaq: “Watch your mouth.�

Charles R. Barr

Upland

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Rick Fox is quoted as saying about the Sacramento Kings, “They all talk too much. Yap, yap, yap. What have they done to talk about?�

Before I say anything insulting about the man, I just want to make certain this is the same Rick Fox who can be counted on to score six or seven points a game, while grabbing off one or two rebounds; the same Rick Fox, who clearly spends more time in front of the mirror than on the court; the same Rick Fox who, for serving as a baggage carrier for guys named Shaq and Kobe, gets to wear championship rings in a world in which Karl Malone, John Stockton, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan and Gary Payton don’t, and clearly isn’t the least bit embarrassed about it.

Burt Prelutsky

North Hills