In L.A., T.J. Simers writes under the header, “Jim Buss Is Proving Doubters Wrong With The Lakers.” Simers writes the son of Lakers Owner Jerry Buss “got it right.” As Lakers Exec VP/Player Personnel, he “found a way to improve the team at point guard,” and that is what fans wanted. Simers: "It doesn’t appear the Lakers are in the hands of a complete loser, as so many of you have called Jim Buss in the last few months” (L.A. TIMES, 3/29).
RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB: In Philadelphia, Paul Domowitch wrote all things considered, Eagles GM Howie Roseman “has done a very good job of helping rebuild an Eagles team that has just five starters left from the '08 team that made it to the NFC Championship Game.” Eagles President Joe Banner said of Roseman, "He understands the (salary) cap and the role it plays in building a team probably better than any GM in the league. We're all very confident about where he's headed." Domowitch noted that while coach Andy Reid “still has final say over all personnel issues and Banner still is the team's primary cap strategist, Roseman clearly has taken on a bigger organizational profile in recent months” (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 3/28).
FULL HOUSE: In Portland, Geoffrey Arnold wrote the MLS Sounders “will open the entire stadium for seating when they host the Timbers Oct. 7” at CenturyLink Field. What the change “means is the Timbers will probably find themselves in the middle of more than 66,000 predominately Seattle fans.” The team will “open the entire stadium for home games against” the Timbers, Whitecaps and Galaxy, as well as for an exhibition against EPL club Chelsea. Arnold wrote there is “little doubt the Sounders will sell out for the game against the Timbers” (OREGONLIVE.com, 3/27).
PLEADING WITH THE PUBLIC: The GLOBE & MAIL’s David Ebner writes the Canucks’ newest campaign titled “This is Our Home” is the “latest push in its year-long call to fans to ‘celebrate responsibly.’” The commercials “star famous Canucks old and new (from Trevor Linden to Henrik Sedin), as well as fans, and places them amid iconic locations in the Vancouver region, trying to evoke a sense of pride and responsibility” (GLOBE & MAIL, 3/29).
