Tony Smith Has Become Lakers’ Forgotten Man

What’s with Tony Smith and the Lakers? He played well at the end of last season. Chick Hearn says he had a fine training camp.

But in the first two games, he gets zero minutes of playing time. It’s true that Anthony Peeler and Duane Cooper are fine rookie prospects. And they develop through playing.

But when you’re playing Sacramento and you’re down 15 going into the last quarter, it isn’t too big a gamble to use Smith.

Limited minutes can be justified. No minutes can’t be.

ANDREW J. BYRNE

Alhambra