Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section share their thoughts and opinions on UCLA and Mick Cronin, the NBA All-Star Game and LeBron James.

With some inspired play in the opening minutes, Mick Cronin’s players heeded his warning about Minnesota’s being better than its crummy record. They played suffocating defense, forcing four shot-clock violations before halftime. They shut down the Golden Gophers’ top player, holding Dawson Garcia to five points by the game’s midpoint.

Following an embarrassing collapse at home versus Minnesota, which saw the Bruins blow a 17-point lead and lose 64-61 after shooting 5-of-15 from the free throw line in the second half, Cronin directed his frustrations at Pauley Pavilion.

Mick Cronin led UCLA to a win at Assembly Hall, an open tryout of sorts should the Indiana basketball coaching search turn to him. Here's what Cronin said.

Mick Cronin is one win away from his 500th career victory, and it doesn't sound like he's planning to achieve win No. 600 at Indiana or any other school.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin is a popular name in the conversation about Indiana basketball's next head coach. Here's what he said about that after defeating the Hoosiers 72-68 Friday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – UCLA escaped Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall with a 72-68 win over Indiana Saturday night.

Mick Cronin was careful not to throw any of his own players under the bus after UCLA's 64-61 loss to Minnesota, but the Bruins head coach is clearly frustrated. The loss was tough enough, but it was how the Bruins lost that made it difficult for Cronin to stomach.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin had a criticizing message for his home crowd following its disappointing loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Tuesday night. He has become frustrated with the crowd reactions and how it affects his team.