Letters: Didn't you used to be the Lakers? Lakers executive Jim Buss is not ready to press the panic button despite a slow start to the season. January 11, 2013, 4:10 p.m. We were all told a number of potential negatives regarding the new and improved Lakers. How Dwight Howard was recovering from back surgery and had difficulty making free throws. How Steve Nash was older and had difficulty guarding anyone younger than himself. How Mike D'Antoni never reached the Finals and simply did not teach or care about defense. How in spite of the glowing headlines, the Lakers are an old team. And how Jimmy Buss, now in full control, blew the Phil Jackson rehire and really doesn't know what he is doing. Unfortunately, all we were told has turned out to be true. Jim B. Parsons Carpinteria Definition of karma for Jim Buss: Seeing your future brother-in-law Phil at every family function. Alex Andrade Pasadena Now that Kobe Bryant is opening up emotionally on Twitter, I have a feeling it won't be long until we see the following tweets: I'm sorry I ran Shaq out of town. I'm sorry I ran Phil out of town ... twice. I'm sorry I'm running Dwight out of town. I'm not sorry I ran Smush Parker out of town. Gary H. Miller