Safe to Rest Magic With 23-Point Lead

The massacre by the Lakers of the Detroit Pistons was exactly what the Lakers needed to build the confidence to regain the NBA championship.

But why risk injury to Magic Johnson by putting him back in the game with eight minutes left and a 23-point lead? Please, Mike Dunleavy, how about giving the other Lakers a chance to gain valuable experience that will be needed come the playoffs, and rest the Magic Man? We need him for the next 11 years (well, that’s my Christmas wish).

JONATHAN M. HOGAN

Toluca Lake