Ron Ron
A comment from Rich 1906:
"After running the NBA Front Page of ESPN.com, I pose the following question to my fellow bloggers: Other than Kobe, Odom, and Bynum, who should we offer for Ron Artest? I'd say anyone else other than those mentioned above (maybe Odom) is tradeable. What do you guys think? I think AK and BK should make this topic. This would be a hot topic for me to read during my study breaks."
Well, Rich, I hate to call you out, but your question is moot from the get go. Without giving up any of those three (I agree, Odom is the most likely candidate), the Lakers ain't getting Artest. Period. Ain't gonna happen. Head case or not (the answer, FYI, clearly isn't "not"), the guy is an All-Star and recent defensive player of the year. He's arguably the best two way player in the league (name 5 other guys with that versatile an offensive game, plus lockdown D every night). Plus, Artest's salary isn't outrageous, so this isn't a huge salary dumping opp for Indy. Even if Ron Ron wants out worse than a Pelican Bay inmate, too many teams will have more to offer than L.A., unless he makes this his one and only destination (see next paragraph). And this is something y'all need to think about when proposing trades, because a lot of readers throw out potential deals that basically jettison Lakers they don't want for another team's studs. You need to ask yourself "Why would the other team make this trade? How does this trade make the other team better, too?" Once riddling yourself that question, it becomes apparent why a George/Vujacic for Artest swap (hypothetically speaking) ain't on the horizon.
That being said, I don't think Artest is coming here anyway. Regardless of his theoretical trade destination, once free agency hits, he's looking to play on the East coast, specifically New York. This would go on to create the NBA's single greatest source of unintentional comedy since A.I.'s "practice" rant. Artest joining the already miserable, totally combustible Larry-Isaiah-Starbury-Crawford-Curry-Jerome James combo (all of whom will still be there when the Tru Warrior arrives, since Zeke only takes long term, cancerous contracts): Wow! Just... Wow! Arma-freaking-geddon, my friends. We can only wish and pray it goes down.
So it comes to this: Is it worth losing Odom to get Artest for two years, tops? If you think so, then the Lakers package Odom for Artest and some stiff to match salaries. If not, no deal. But you have to assume Artest will bolt in two years (if he's not already tossed from the league by then). You can't count on Artest sticking around because he falls in love with purple and gold history. You can't count on Artest sticking around because he bonds with Kobe, Phil, Bynum, Kupchak, a Staples Center nacho vendor, whoever. You can't count on Artest for anything, because he's clinically insane. I don't mean that facetiously. The guy needs help. I don't even think he's a thug as much as he's just out of his skull, a fantasyland resident who occasionally travels to reality with a soon-to-be-revoked temporary Visa. If you're a shrink reading this, please reach out to the man.
But even if Artest weren't goony bird nuts, he doesn't want to be here for the long haul. And while the Lakers would undoubtedly be short term better with Ron Ron, I don't think it's worth trading Odom, now finally starting to grasp the triangle, for someone almost certain not to be part of the future. If the Lakers were one player away from a championship, maybe I'd do it. But they're not. They're rebuilding, and the idea of rebuilding while babysitting Artest seems counterproductive at best. Dude's a livewire. He brings a lot to the table, but may also be the single riskiest guy in the NBA to have on your roster. I totally understand why a team would be tempted, but they better have a tangible and immediate need for his services before pulling the trigger. I don't think the Lakers fit that bill.
Thanks for the discussion starter, Rich!
Whao, way to lay a smack down.
Posted by: Laker Fan # 8 | December 11, 2005 at 12:29 PM
The Brothers K are correct. There's absolutely zero possibility of the Lakers acquiring Ron Artest. However, I would certainly entertain giving up Bynum, who looks like a big klutz to me.
Posted by: Johnnie Conga | December 11, 2005 at 12:31 PM
Why would we even start this conversation in the first place? Who in their right mind would trade Odom for Artest. Artest is a nutcase, and Odom is beginning to play to his potential. The only conversation starter that would be good is if it's about Garnett. Not someone who wants to be the next Rodman
Posted by: Frustrated Laker Fan | December 11, 2005 at 12:35 PM
I agree with AK.
Artest is a great player... but his mindset is so
unpredictable that it ain't worth it.
I wouldn't want to give up Odom. I want him to stay
a Laker like Kobe...
It looks like him and Kobe are starting to gel.
Do you guys see the numbers that Odom is putting up
these past few games... damn... he's like a triple double waiting to happen....
Posted by: Ray | December 11, 2005 at 01:14 PM
My probably with Odom is that he tends to disappear for games. He's one of those play good for 2 out 3 games kinda guys that Jackson once talked about.
Also Odom ALWAYS stops on a play when he thinks he gets fouled. Then he stands and stares at the ref like its actually going to do anything. "Oh I'm sorry Lamar, let me reverse that call for you.". Ain't going to happen. The refs will always stick to their decision for respect. Maybe he is working for a next makeup call? I don't think NBA basketball should be played this way.
Lamar needs to stop crying and not stop when a play doesn't go his way. Otherwise refs will treat him like Kobe which is pretty much with zero respect.
Posted by: Zen | December 11, 2005 at 01:58 PM
I look at the Lakers lineup and it becomes painfully obvious that the only way another truly great player is joining s going to come through a free-agency signing.
I wholeheartedly believe Kobe is off the trade table in Dr. Buss' mind. Odom is too much a part of the franchise's apparent "plans", and Phil wants him for the next few seasons at least. Bynum is too young and too much of a project to be serious trade bait for anybody for a few years.
The only player with real market value for trade was Caron Butler, and the Lakers already made that gamble by taking Kwame Brown. They're going to have to see how much he can pay off before even considering another trade out of the starters.
It's free-agents or nothing for a while, folks. That's why it's important that the Lakers play team ball, get back into winning shape and become a playoff team, and convince everybody that Kobe Bryant is a guy they'd want to play with (8 and 9 assists in back-to-back games is what I'm talking about.)
That's why I was so happy about Phil coming back. I wasn't one of those people who saw him as a panacea for all of the Lakers' ailments, but rather as a tremendusly respected coach with a repeatedly-proven competitive edge that might excite somebody enough to join the purple and gold from the free agency market.
Posted by: Brendan | December 11, 2005 at 02:02 PM
Hey, I just had to throw it out as a topic. But that's what I get for trying to contribute in between finals. No hard feelings guys. But then again, at least I didn't get on here talking about trading Kobe.
Posted by: Rich1906 | December 11, 2005 at 02:07 PM
Artest would be a great pick-up but, alas, the Lakers have so little talent on the roster -- thanks, Mitchell Cupcake -- that there's no way they could acquire Ron-Ron via trade. Let's face it, outside of Lamar and Kobe, the roster's pathetically thin. It's too bad because Lamar and Ron-Ron are old friends from the playgrounds of Queens and would love to play together someday. Yet another reason to fire Cupcake.
Posted by: George Jeep | December 11, 2005 at 02:07 PM
No worries, Rich. Good conversation starter.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | December 11, 2005 at 02:10 PM
I'll be satisfied this year if the Lakers play good TEAM ball. And bascially that depends on the willingness of Kobe to pass the rock. Unfortunately, Kobe has a well-deserved reputation for selfishness, which is the principal reason guys are reluctant to play with him.
Posted by: Hector Bronze | December 11, 2005 at 02:16 PM
Ron Artest is the type of "tough guy" the Lakers so desparately need. Let's face it, the roster as currently constructed is made up of a bunch of softies, a bunch of -- cupcakes, right?
Posted by: sinbad 76 | December 11, 2005 at 02:21 PM
How can anyone even think about trading the few good players we have on the squad for someone like ron artest. Do you guys remember last year when he said he wanted to take time off from basketball to promote his new rap cd?!?! This guy has no heart. As for the current guys we have on the roster, we are only going to get better. After last years pathetic season there's only one way this team can go and thats UP! The triangle is getting better, players are starting to get more comfortable in it. The one problem w/ it is when you see the streches where guys just stand and watch and you can't do that w/ the triangle.
PS: I was up on K. Brown when we got him but more and more this guy sucks. You see him down on the block posting up and getting good position but the guys never throw it to him b/c he's got NO HANDS. Please start walton over him anyday of the week.
Posted by: Mr. Cobos | December 11, 2005 at 02:26 PM
Ron Artest is a great but unpredictable player, like a volcano waiting to explode. However, Rasheed Wallace had a similar "rep" when he was in Portland, and he seemed to have found a 'second wind' when he hooked up with Detroit. Who knows, he might find a good pshrink in LA.
Assuming the Pacers are willing to trade Artest to LA, who should the Lakers give up? If i were Mitch Kupchak, i would be willing to trade anybody save for KB and LO. Much as i love the Lakers' youth movement (Sasha, Bynum, Cook), Artest brings immediate physical presence and a willingness (and ability) to score, somebody who would be an immediate help to the Lakers frontcourt. And who wouldn't want a defensive specialist on his team (somebody the present lineup does not have other than Kobe)?
The trade is compelling. I agree with most of the guys, though. I feel the other teams have more to offer (by way of trade material) than the Lakers.
Posted by: Raymond42n | December 11, 2005 at 02:30 PM
Hello every one! this is my first time posting something on here about the purple and gold Los angeles Lakers. I was wondering if anybody know what's going on with ronny turiaf, is he joining the lakers soon or is he not playing anymore? i think he'd give a lot of help to them lakers and i really wish for him to get healthy and for him to come back to play for the lakers some day. well, have a nice day every one....thanks for the comments..i really ejoy reading them since i'm a true laker fan. god bless bye!
Posted by: Marko | December 11, 2005 at 02:49 PM
Dear Marko,
R. Turiaf is doing fine. He's currently living near the Gonzaga campus and working out with the team -- careful to avoid serious contact, however. If you watch Zag games on t.v., you'll frequently see him sitting on the Zag bench and advising his former teammates during timeouts. There's a remote possibility that he'll rejoin the Lakers before the end of the season, but he's more likely to don a Laker uniform next year.
Posted by: Zag Fan | December 11, 2005 at 03:51 PM
this deal is doable for slava and a second round pick.
Posted by: john | December 11, 2005 at 03:55 PM
I think they can trade slava, von wafer and probably kwame brown and a future draft pick for ron artest. LO is meshing with kobe and those of you who think kobe is not a team player...you have no idea about basketball. Smush is a decent point guard...who will be a rising star in the next few years...give the dude a chance. Believe it or not Mihm is very argile and athletic the kid is dropping buckets on em dudes out here. Definitely we can't trade LUKe. cuz the kid can pass like a motha...Kobe is the clossest reincarnation of jordan...hate or love it..
Posted by: Frank | December 11, 2005 at 04:26 PM
What ever happened to Kobe? Not only has he lost his hops, but he's also lost a step or two. He can no longer get around defenders and get to the rim, which is the principal reason his fg% has been declining. He used to be a human highlite reel; now he's pretty ordinary. Sort of sad, actually. If only the Lakers had gotten Dewayne Wade in the Shaq deal. Now there's a great athelete.
Posted by: Prez | December 11, 2005 at 04:35 PM
"this deal is doable for slava and a second round pick."
Yeah, cuz the phone's been ringing off the hook from teams looking to aquire Slava. Isn't Larry Bird president of ops for the Pacers? I think he might have just enough insight into the game to know Slava is no replacement for Ron-Ron.
I think Ron and Spreewell should start their own squad, the "All-Crazy Team" - but who else could they pick up? A few years ago 'Sheed could've started for them, but winning sure has changed his attitude. Any other bonafide nutso's in the league we could add to their roster?
Posted by: Kevin | December 11, 2005 at 04:49 PM
To Brendan and Hector Bronze
How the heck did this topic turn into a referendum on Kobe? Does either of you know any NBA players personally or how in God's name did you come by this information that "nobody wants to play with Kobe"? I think you both represent most of what is wrong with the reading public, a lack of ability to reflect on the information they are being fed. Listen, players go where they are traded, offered more money or where they perceive that they have a chance to win a championship. The Lakers neither have tradable assets, any cap room (therefore no money) and are not winning any championships anytime soon. If any of these concepts is hard to understand, email me and I will clarify.
Kobe Bryant does not have any bearing on who the Lakers sign as a free agent. Sometimes, I suggest you think these statements through and not just regurgitate ignorant, biased and unsubstantiated opinions in a public forum, even if it is a blog.
This is another case of giving a dog a bad name.
Posted by: Laker Fan # 8 | December 11, 2005 at 04:59 PM
Calling Mitch Kupchak, Cupcake or Mitchell is getting ridiculous. What's the point of trying to feminized it? To call him a sissy? To call him gay? And really what's the point?
Posted by: flyl03 | December 11, 2005 at 05:24 PM
First off John Ron Artest is way too good for just Slava, and a 2nd round pick. As interesting as the trade sounds, I doubt it will happen. Ron Artest is a combustable player with hella basketball skills, but I don't think he would be in it for the long haul. I think the guy has much heart(do you see how he plays) but sometimes he shows it in the wrong way, and says the wrong things. And anyway I'm actually kind of glad that the Lakers are building this team from the ground up, and waiting for a decent player via free agency. This way we can build a championship team without people making excuses about us not being good until we signed the "big star"
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | December 11, 2005 at 05:46 PM
If the Lakers pull off this trade, ill run down figueroa in a purple and gold thong.
Posted by: fullctpress | December 11, 2005 at 05:51 PM
Based on what I've heard listening to the radio and so on, fans refer to Mitch as "cupcake" due to his proclivity for acquiring "soft" players. That's the reason, basically.
Posted by: Corey Habib | December 11, 2005 at 06:07 PM
By the way, Caron Butler came off the bench today for the Wiz and scored 28 pts, on 14 for 22 shooting, with 10 rebounds and 3 assists. He's an early front runner for 6th-man-of-the-year honors. Ouch.
Posted by: M. Rothbard | December 11, 2005 at 06:12 PM
When Ol' Mitch finds himself out of work and has to apply for his next front office job, the Butler for K. Brown trade isn't going to look very good on his resume, that's for sure. Ernie Grunfeld, g.m. of the Wiz, fleeced Mitch and the Lakers.
Posted by: George G. Abbes | December 11, 2005 at 06:19 PM
Ok let me say,fullctpress that would be funny ass hell!!!Anyway why are we talking about this if anybody watches Quite Frankly,with Steven Smith Artest said that he only wants to play for two more years and then retire,so he can do other things. So your talking about trading guys that could have a full career for somebody that doesnt know how much longer he wants to play.
Posted by: Laker Junkie | December 11, 2005 at 06:26 PM
Hey #8...
The topic was on trading, and that's my opinion. They're not going to break up the band in the core players, and they need to concentrate on making a hospitable place for the free agents in the upcoming offseasons, which seems to be ahigh priority.
If you think I'm "hating" for citing a very common concern about Kobe... I don't know what to tell you other than "A lot of people have said some lousy stuff about playing with him." Remember what his own coach wrote about him? Didn't I even commend him for his high assist rate against Chicago and Toronto?!
I'm a fan, but does that mean I should pretend he doesn't have a reputation as a ball hog, or a selfish teammate?
How about the case of Miami: A roster that was a healthy Dwane Wade or Shaq away from knocking off Detroit and appearing in the finals saw an offseason full of players flocking to South Beach, taking pay cuts and limited playing time (two things that tend to hurt team chemistry and make unhappy players) and one of the reasons is Shaquille O'Neal.
Players want to win, and the dude has a high level of respect and likeability among players and can help win championships. Creating that climate in Los Angeles is going to be an important part of rebuilding he team.
Aren't you taking somebody's OPINION (which nobody has any reason to believe is any less valid or informed as yours) a wee bit too personally?
Mellow out, dude.
Posted by: Brendan | December 11, 2005 at 06:35 PM
Send Kwame and Slava for Ron Artest. But I don't think Artest will be interested in Lakers. He wants to go Knicks and Kicks would be definitely interested in him because of his defensive skills. There is a chance that Indy will ship him to any Western conference teams. Why not Lakers?
Posted by: Laker Fan | December 11, 2005 at 06:58 PM
in retrospect, i see your point. slava, a 2nd rounder, and one of the towel boys. that should do it.
and if they still aren't happy with all that, throw in james worthy. he'd take one for the team i bet.
Posted by: john | December 11, 2005 at 07:15 PM
Did you guys read what artest said during the interview.. he said even if he gets traded to the west coast he will come back to the new york knicks after his contract expired so i don't want to hear anybody on this blog say lakers should trade lamar for him...that's just being stupid for saying that..But Mitch if you can pull this trade out without giving up kobe and lamar...i will start to give you some respect!!! Ak please let mitch read this blog....i think he will know what we the fans think!!!
Posted by: young_hov | December 11, 2005 at 09:00 PM
@prez,witch Kobe Bryant you been watching? you think the game it`s all about dunking the ball, you can`t get to the lane with 2,3 defender in front of you.
Take that non sense somewhere else Please,
Posted by: Rock( Toronto) | December 11, 2005 at 09:02 PM
the only player we should trade for artest is kwame, Indiana would have Kwame and Jermaine O'Neil, not a bad front line up, and we get the hustle player we need ...but, alas, Indy and Larry Bird are waaaayyy toooo smart to fall for that one.
Too bad Kwame's been such a bust!
so, we throw in some draft picks, and trade exceptions we got for JJ and Kareem Rush, maybe we take Croshere off their hands as well....how about that?
Posted by: chris henderson | December 11, 2005 at 10:05 PM
Brendan,
-"they need to concentrate on making a hospitable place for the free agents in the upcoming off seasons"
What has Kobe got to do with the "hospitability" of the Lakers?
-"If you think I'm "hating" for citing a very common concern about Kobe"
No sir, after reading your reference to Shaq and Miami, I know you are.
_"A lot of people have said some lousy stuff about playing with him."
Like who? Apart from Shaq?
-"I'm a fan, but does that mean I should pretend he doesn't have a reputation as a ball hog, or a selfish teammate?"
No you are not a fan. But question for you, do you consider Dwayne Wade a ball hog? because this season he is taking as many shots as Kobe ever took (apart from this season of course), he is playing with better teammates than Kobe ever had and is taking about 25% of the shots on the team.
-"How about the case of Miami: players flocking to South Beach, taking pay cuts and limited playing time"
Again the question is, like who? Who exactly took less money and limited playing time to sign with Miami? Damon Jones took more money and signed else where, as did Kenyon Dooling. Payton was paid market rate, so where exactly are you getting this information from?
-"Players want to win, and the dude has a high level of respect and likeability among players and can help win championships".
Last time I checked Shaq has not won anything yet without Kobe. Let’s take Kevin Garnett for example, he is perceived to have "a high degree of likeability" and all that, exactly who, if anybody is flocking to Minnesota?
-"Aren't you taking somebody's OPINION (which nobody has any reason to believe is any less valid or informed as yours) a wee bit too personally?"
If your opinion is biased and uninformed, just as it is your right to state it, it is my right to call you out on it. It's never personal, only Lakers (business).
Posted by: Laker Fan # 8 | December 12, 2005 at 04:45 AM
Artest is a lunatic... and a lousy fighter. That fat guy from the stands in Detroit would have beat the hell out of him in a fair fight.
Artest is not a Laker.
Sprewell is not a Laker.
Let's keep it that way.
Somethings are even more important than winning. They are few and far between, but somethings are even more important than winning.
I don't want Artest on my team.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | December 12, 2005 at 07:49 AM
Just my humble opinion guys. Artest may be the last piece to the puzzle. He might be the Dennis Rodman to Phil Jackson's Lakers.
Posted by: Chris Baldemor | December 12, 2005 at 08:35 AM
Hey M. Rothbard, I agree, this is the second time I've put this out there. Butler is making this trade hurt. I know all about the small forward glut, and the whys of needing a down low presence, but please, Kwame, make the pain go away. Get some boards, stop somebody, anything on a consistent basis. Mitch, Phil, MJ all had a say in it and they know more than I do, but it would be nice having Caron's numbers coming off the bench these days. He who looks back dies of remorse...or complains about mis management.
Posted by: Vman | December 12, 2005 at 09:33 AM
#8-
I'm glad you seem to have the time in your life to spend bickering with people who disagree with you about trivial stuff on blogs devoted to basketball teams. I don't. You win. You're right. Strike my comments from the record.
Posted by: Brendan | December 12, 2005 at 10:21 AM
You cant trade anyone for artest. because artest has already gone on the record for saying he wants to play for new york. he's even gone as far as saying he would leave whichever team he was traded to when his contract was up, to go back to new york. definitely cannot trade lamar. i like artest. everyone knows he's crazy in the head, but everyone also knows he can flatout play ball. i agree--why would indiana ship ron ron to LA when they could most definitely get better offers elsewhere? slava? kwame? LA is not the only team interested in artest. gm's may say we dont want this guy, but the truth is, any team will add an artest to their team for the "right price".
Posted by: Lefty | December 12, 2005 at 10:58 AM
How about we don’t trade anyone this year, we don’t sign anyone in free agency (Sprewell), and we just let the guys, who are EXTREMELY young, ride it out and get better? We’re not going to win a title this year and more than likely we won’t make the playoffs (tell me one of the teams ahead of the Lakers in the standings we are going to pass for a spot?) so why not develop our talent. I’m actually having fun watching the team this year. It’s especially fulfilling when Kobe has 8 or 9 assists and isn’t jacking up 30+ shots a game.
It should also be noted that clearing cap space for 2007 isn’t just reserved for going after a big time free agent. The way things are structured in the CBA a player can make $20 million more on a contract if he stays with his current team rather than heading somewhere else (forget about Bosh people). What getting under the cap allows the Lakers to do is acquire mid-level guys to fill roles with the team and also be prepared to make a big trade if a super star becomes available (they would actually be able to take on a KG-type contract—but no, he’s not coming to LA).
So I say let’s drop the trade talk, ride this thing out-Kwame and all, and see if Phil can earn his $10 million and Kobe actually is as good as we all think.
**side note: If anyone proposes a trade between a team and their All-Star player and the Lakers and our package includes the words “Slava and a 2nd round pick” they should be found and punched in the neck.
Posted by: Andrew Z | December 12, 2005 at 10:58 AM
Ron Artest is a clown. If Mitch Kupcake gives up Lamar Odom for this space cadet, we are in a world of hurt. Granted, i wouldnt mind seeing Ron Ron punch a few of these Fake, show up late, fans in the face. But cmon, this guy is beyond help. In 2 years he will bolt to New York. Maybe he can hang with Derek Jeter, A Rod and the rest of the over paid athletes in New York.....Sounds like a Spike Lee production to me.......
Posted by: Jeff | December 12, 2005 at 12:36 PM
We should definitely try to Ron Artest. Phil can handle him. I would trade Kwame and whoever else we need to make it work under the salary cap and if they want to dump Austin then we give them Devean George.
Posted by: Ruben | December 12, 2005 at 12:55 PM
How about some Earl Watson comments? He's paid a lot, but a solid player. I don't know too muhc about him but I know it wouldn't take a whole lot to get him from Denver. I like Smush and Sasha but a guy who people other than Laker fans know oculd be a good acquisition. Also what's the news with Peja? Vlade is in a front office position and he is good friends with Peja. He's unhappy in Sac and a sharpshooter would be perfect in the triange with Kobe. Lets have some discussions about the possibilities of that.
Posted by: Michael Lynch | December 12, 2005 at 01:21 PM
Andrew Z,
You are the man! I echo your words exactly.
All this trade talk is much ado about nothing. I like this team. It's people without patience who want to turn the Lakers into some Fantasy Basketball League team. Its not going to happen.
All this crazy trade talk is from people who aren't real fans. They're just haters who need to be constantly entertained. If the Lakers pulled off 72 victories in a season, they'd still find something to complain about.
Our team is going to be just fine this year (playoffs) and better next year.
Everyone forgets that the first year we had Phil it took the Lakers 2/3 of a season to actually "get it." What makes these people think that 1/4 of way through the season a bunch of super young players will have mastered the Triangle? It's crazy.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | December 12, 2005 at 01:25 PM
I would love to see Artest in New York.
I hate the Knicks.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | December 12, 2005 at 02:51 PM
Before discounting Artest for being the space-case that he is, remember that Phil Jackson also coached the league's all-time space case - Dennis Rodman - and look what he did for the Bulls. Could Artest temper himself playing for Jackson? Could Kobe then feel less pressure of putting the team's offensive woes on his shoulders? I agree that keeping Odom is good if possible. But I, too, cringe when Odom goes into hiding during key stretches of games.
Posted by: Just A Fan | December 12, 2005 at 04:17 PM
andrew z-hilarious comment..larry bird is running the pacers, not isiah thomas
Posted by: lakeshow | December 12, 2005 at 04:32 PM
I am new to the site. Enjoy looking at the chat back and forth about the purple and gold. I agree that Artest is a head case but when I found out that he wanted out and the Pacers wanted to move him, I knew that Lakers name would come up in the conversation. I don't necessarily think it is a bad move. Indiana is ready to get rid of Artest. It is an addition by subtraction situation for the Pacers. It probably can be done w/o giving up Odom or Bynum. Maybe it's George/Slava. Maybe it's George and a draft pick. It may require a 3rd team to come in but it is a possibility. It is not like his salary is that big so it doesnt put LA behind the 8-ball from that perspective.
Plus, I take the position that players like Artest, TO, Rodman, (to a lesser extent Corey Dillion) thrive under the following criteria
1) Big Time Coach, with rings
2) Big Time Player, with rings
3) Big City/Franchise, with repuation and national exposure
Yes, Artest may care more about his Tru Warier Label than winning. It could bring some excitment to the team and it could improve the talent base of the Lakers significantly. It gives Kobe a "tru" sidekick as far as top 20-25 talent. kobe-odom-artest is a poor man's jordan-pippen-rodman/kukoc in the triangle. No where near better but neither is the rest of the nba. It is worth considering if you are Mitch K.
Posted by: T Lynch | December 13, 2005 at 07:40 PM
Brendan,
I wish Laker fans would STOP calling Shaq a Good Teammate while bashing Kobe for his EVERY SINGLE TRANSGRESSION!!! Players want to play with Shaq because he's 7ft 300plus not becuase he's such a good guy!! Ask Brian Hill, Penny, Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Elden, Del Harris, Rambis, Kobe & most recently Stan Van Gundy what a SAINT Shaq is? That's the short list of people he's stabbed in the back!!! The big doofus slings his wealth to buy friendships amongst his teammates & to win fans with that extremly public Christmas gift giving!!! How can we root for the Lakers but so venomously attack Kobe at every turn?! So when Shaq says things like "the big dogs gotta eat", "everything should come inside", "F U Pay me!!"
to Dr. Buss (while in a game I might add) is he talking about his teammates? NOTE: ALL GREAT NBA PLAYERS ARE SELFISH to an extent!! Get over the fact that Kobe is not another Magic Johnson & enjoy the show! I'm with Laker # 8!!! The next time you spew hate on Kobe your blog rights should be revoked, Momo!!! I bet you've got you're Heat jersey all ready for Christmas!!
Posted by: Mitch | December 14, 2005 at 11:32 AM
OKay okay okay i admit Artest is a huge head case but if you look at this guy he is almost the reincarnation of #33 scottie pippen. Great defense can hit the open shot anywhere on the floor, and is used to being someones sidekick (J.Oneal). If you watched the Dallas game it was Kwames best game as a Laker and guess what pos. he was at Center. Who was on the Becnh...... Chris Mihm.
If your smart you know artest is a top three best defender in the league and you know who else is top three #8. SO trade Mihm, George, a 1st rounder and throw in some of those bobcat picks (form J.J and RUSH)and have the starting five of PG. Smush SG. Kobe SF.Artest PF. Odom C.Brown. the lakers wouldnt miss mihm much of his production would be replaced and maybe even doubled by artest.
So this would be a win win situation
Posted by: Lance | December 14, 2005 at 02:00 PM