LETTERS : ATWATER, WELLS SHOULD HAVE BEEN KEPT.

This past week, two major things in the sports world have happened that have extremely upset me.

The first was the release of Denver Broncos safety Steve Atwater. He was a valued member of the Broncos and an exciting athlete to watch, making the Pro Bowl eight times in 10 years. Now, due to the salary cap, the Broncos lose an important part of their defense.

Not even a week later, the same thing has happened in the world of baseball, with the trading of pitcher David Wells. The Yankees acquire Roger Clemens, a five-time Cy Young winner. But this time, it wasn't for salary-cap purposes. It seems as though waving a great pitcher in front of the Yankees' face is like sticking a piece of meat in a lion's cage. The Yankees couldn't resist the temptation, as one of the front-office men was quoted as saying, when they were offered Clemens, ``My knees buckled.''

It just isn't fair that a tremendous pitcher in his own right, David Wells, must now clean out his locker and head to Toronto. What is that about! He had a stellar season, everyone knows it, and just when he thought he found a home in New York, it's all over.

It is troubling that sports must be ruled by money and temptation. It's not as if the players are robots without feelings, as we could clearly see in Wells' departure from Yankee Stadium on Thursday. What makes an athlete want to strive for anything anymore? If he knows he will be traded, even when he pitches a perfect game, or makes the Pro Bowl continuously, helps a team achieve the ultimate feat by winning a World Series or a Super Bowl - it just doesn't matter anymore.

No amount of greatness can buy a guy a free ride in any sport nowadays. I think that we as fans should protest the sports world, because after all, we are the people who pay their salaries.

- CHER HOROWITZ

Arleta

Listen up, Jerry and Del

An open letter to Jerry West:

The Lakers are the best team in the NBA right now. You are the greatest general manager of all time, but your desire to change this team that you created could be its downfall.

First: Sign Eddie Jones to a contract extension.

He is one of the best players in the NBA and is too good to give up. I realize there is another All-Star on the team that happens to play the same position, but the solution is not to trade away a player with an ``A'' game in all facets: defense, offense, mental, effort, attitude and the list goes on.

Second: Here is the Lakers' 1999 championship starting lineup: Eddie Jones, Kobe Bryant, Robert Horry, Elden Campbell and Shaquille O'Neal.

I remember a team recently that didn't have a pure point guard that did quite well in the '90s. Jones can take lead-guard duties on defense, much the way he did against Seattle last year in the playoffs. I realize Kobe's point play was not successful a year ago, but all he should be expected to do is not get ripped.

It's not as if we have a point guard right now that is slashing and dishing, nor do we need one. All non-fast-break possessions should start simply by dropping the ball down to Shaq. Please explain to Del Harris that going to Shaq every time is not against the rules. Obviously, there must be a little more variety, but the fact is, Shaq abuses opposing centers consistently. I have seen Shaq matched up against no-name backup centers and not touch the ball four and five times in a row down the court on offense. Why?

Third: What about Derek Fisher?

Fisher is the best backup point guard in the league. He has his head on straight, he doesn't make many mistakes and he plays tough defense. I believe he has been the most mentally tough and stable player on the Lakers, even in his rookie year. The problem, he is not an offensive threat. Also, judging by poor fouls called against him, he doesn't have the respect of the officials.

Fourth: Trade him or play him.

Elden Campbell is our best power forward. But he doesn't play well with Shaq on offense. Then clear him out for Shaq. Clear Shaq out for him. Do what you have to, but keep your best five players on the court for as long as possible. Whether we want to admit it or not, he is our best power forward. On defense, there is an intimidation factor with two 7-footers down low, as well as a rebounding advantage. I believe these two will work together with a commitment to Campbell and the right plan.

Fifth: Role player.

Every championship team has one. Robert Horry is that. He rounds out this very solid defensive and offensive starting lineup. It's time for the Lakers to jump on opponents and not let them up for air. There will be plenty of playing time for our very solid nine backups, with the Lakers playing five games in six nights on more than one occasion.

Last: I am not pretending to know one-tenth as much as you about this game or this team, but this is the way it looks from my couch.

- DENNIS HACKNEY

Woodland Hills