Ron Artest: A discussion
BK and I decided to talk a little "Ron Ron to L.A." using the instant message platform the kids seem to love these days. Some point-counterpoint, but in a nutshell, we both can picture this working out well. However, it will require some adjustment on Ron Artest's part. This would be a copy of the transcript.
AK: "So... We're in the Ron Artest business now."
BK: Yep. Not that there's ever a dull moment in Laker Land... but Dr. Buss and Co. basically removed the word from the local vernacular completely. So how do you feel about it?
AK: I think I like it. Like we talked about on today's PodKast, I'm aware of the potential issues.
BK: Nice plug.
AK: Well, we've only linked it three times in one day. We're nothing if not company men.
BK: Whores. That's what we are. Just say it.
AK: Besides, it's getting buried because "the Lakers want to sign players and build the roster." Selfish bastards. But like we discussed in the... 710 ESPN PodKast (wink!), I do think if Artest buys in, you're looking at an upgrade on both sides of the ball. He's a better on ball defender than Trevor Ariza and even more versatile. Aside from being able to check the 1, 2, and 3 like Trevor, Artest can even body a four. If an opponent goes small, he could probably hang with certain centers
For all the talk about how big LeBron is, I'm always stunned whenever I see Artest in person. No matter how many times I've been around him, it's still impressive how much he resembles a middle linebacker.
BK: Oh yeah. He's heavier than Gasol, despite being what, six inches shorter? That's why he wears the slightly shorter, tighter shorts, I think. It's the equivalent of D. Howard not owning a shirt.
AK: Remember Charles Mann, the Redskins linebacker? That's basically Artest.
BK: He was shaped like a triangle.
AK: Kinda like Ron Ron. And offensively, he's got more pure skills than Trevor. He's much better equipped to create his own shot, and because of said bulk, can post dudes up. And despite the improvement by Ariza from outside, Ron is still the more proven (and steadily improving) three point shooter.
I feel your "however" coming...
BK: Sure. While I'm warming up to the signing and love the terms- $18 mil over three years- there are some things to wonder, if not worry, about. That Artest is a better player than Ariza isn't the question. He is. But is he a better fit?
That was a rhetorical question.
AK: Like how many angels fit on the head of a pin? Or how many roads must a man walk down...
BK: Or babies in a tire.
Artest is a great fit defensively, like you mention, but on the other end all the stuff I didn't like when we we/the Lakers were debating bringing him in for Lamar Odom in a trade over the last two seasons still apply, even though I assume the Lakers will now not be letting Odom get away, which obviously matters.
AK: I'd be shocked if they don't bring back Lamar. That feels like a given now.
BK: Right. As well it should be. But Artest likes to shoot. A lot. He likes to be a big part of an offense. He hasn't averaged fewer than 14.8 shots a night since 2002. Last year, Ariza averaged just over seven.
And shot selection/ball movement aren't exactly Artest's strengths. He's a pretty good passer when he remembers to move the ball, but it often sticks in his hands. Last I checked, the triangle suffers sticking.
AK: Does your opinion change at all knowing that, as the season carried on, Trevor averaged eight shots, as opposed to seven?
BK: I should pay closer attention to the splits.
AK: No, I hear what you're saying. The onus is on Ron to exercise self control, a sentence a little scary to just type, much less plan around. He'll have to reshape his mentality.
BK: And his efficiency. In terms of both true shooting percentage and equivalent field goal percentage, Ariza was actually better than Artest last year. Some of that comes from playing in a better offense with better dudes around him, but some of it is reflective of Artest's shot choices.
AK: I think it's both. Some of it may also be the result of Artest at times being their #1 option due to injury, but not really being the ideal #1 option.
BK: And given how efficient LA's bigs can be, and the effectiveness of Kobe Bryant (you know, that guy), you'd hate to see Artest suck shots away from those guys. He's going to have to give up a lot of his offensive mentality. Plus learn the offense. There's always that.
AK: Stick with the established championship formula: Only Kobe is allowed to suck away shots from the efficient bigs. I kid you, people!!! I kid!!!
BK: All I'm saying is that Artest, over the course of his career, has tended to think he's a better offensive player than he is. He's good, but not top shelf on that end. The good news is that, like you say, for four years his three point percentage has trended up. As many big threes as TA made in the Finals, Artest, at least on his resume, is a better shooter, which is good because he doesn't finish at the rim nearly as often as Ariza (12% of TA's makes were dunks, vs. 1% for RA, for example... and yes, I had to look that up.)
AK: Yep. Bottom line, you signing off on this or not?
BK: I am, if Artest is willing to play the role LA will need him to play. That's the biggest worry I have. He's a better player than Ariza, but is more a star talent than TA, too. The Lakers had a great balance last year, where everyone was familiar with his gig and willing to perform his role. Will Artest do that? Sometimes more talent doesn't make a team better.
He seems awfully eager to fit in and win a ring, that's for sure. It's an encouraging start.
AK: Dude's in Twitter heaven right now. I haven't seen him this stoked since the last time he had a CD dropping.
BK: Oh yeah. And every writer in LA is popping a cork. And the good news is, even if he gums up the O for a while, putting him on the other side of the ball with Kobe, Pau, Bynum, and LO (in whatever combination) might make it impossible to score on the Lakers anyway. They have the potential to be an outstanding defensive team next year, and they were pretty good this season already.
AK: If it's the three years reported, that in and of itself is a major feather in the cap. Not having to devote five years to a role player (which Ariza is, albeit a valuable one) is always nice.
BK: I agree. Initially, I think Artest will be so motivated to do the right thing, he might not shoot at all. Even dunks.
AK: He'll just trim everyone's hair. Do the artwork. Team barber.
BK: Like I said, know your role.
AK: One of his roles, thankfully, will be providing major quotage on a daily basis. On this level, I don't think it's even possible to quantify the upgrade he represents over Trevor.
BK: Oh yeah. TA was a great quote, until you had to start quoting him. Then he sucked. Drove me nuts.
AK: Artest is nothing if not fantastic for our particular line of work.
BK: Like I said, obviously it could work, and let's say that Cleveland/LA matchup everyone seemed to want in this year's Finals happens next? It'll be handy to have Artest around to mark LBJ. Overall, just having Artest's defensive abilities will take a lot of pressure off Kobe on that side of the ball. That's a plus.
AK: But will the league, David Stern and ABC allow Ron to check LeBron, since the most drama gets squeezed from Kobe guarding him the entire time? And vice versa? I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't allow switches during possessions.
BK: Maybe, maybe not. But PJ always defies authority anyway.
-AK
Photo: Ron Artest shoots a jumper over Pau Gasol. Photo: Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America
Photo: Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza: Credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images North America
Photo: Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest jaw at each other. Credit:
We have officially entered the newest era of Lakers dynasty: Mambanation. Complete. Utter. Mambanation.
I don't care at this point if Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Shaq, LeBron, Mo Williams, KG, Pierce and Ray Allen all join forces to try to prevent it, the Lakers will be winning title after title for the forseeable future.
Imagine seeing this lineup across the court from your favorite team:
Kobe
Ron
Lamar
Pau
Drew
How do you possible deal? You're going to get no production from your backcourt, and you're facing three 7-footers in the frontcourt. Everyone can pass with the best of them, everyone can finish around the basket.
The one unfortunate development from all this, aside from losing Ariza, is that Kobe probably won't be winning any DPOY awards with Ron on the team. Oh, well...
Posted by: SBPimp | July 03, 2009 at 12:40 AM
He's a Laker now.
I'm going to have to find those qualities in him that make me root for him.
He's a Laker.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 03, 2009 at 12:42 AM
I think it is another upgrade to the roster, all thanks to Mitch, and we signed Artest at a good price. If Trevor signed with the Rockets for the MLE, why didn't he just sign with the Lakers in the first place if that's what they offered him? Maybe the Lakers found out they could sign Artest for the same amount and 86ed Trevor...that's business for you.
Posted by: obeymythirst | July 03, 2009 at 12:45 AM
I'm sorry to see Ariza go. He hasn't reached his potential yet as a basketball player and in a year or two he may turn out to be a better player than Artest, albeit with a much different style. However, right now Artest is the better player and he will make the Lakers a better team next season.
Posted by: aztronut | July 03, 2009 at 01:11 AM
I'm still conflicted about getting Artest.
Granted, I'm truly grateful for what Ariza did for the Lakers and I hope he has success in Houston. (my cousin didn't take it too well, he wanted Ariza to break his leg)
Time to get an Ariza jersey while I still can :)
Posted by: EKM84106 | July 03, 2009 at 01:12 AM
It could be great, as long as he's matured.
He's an incredible player.
Live up to being a Laker, Ron.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 03, 2009 at 01:15 AM
I wish the best for Ariza. He was very instrumental during our championship run. I thought he was the reason why we won game 4.
I feel that Ariza's agent is the main reason why the Lakers didn't sign Ariza. Trevor will be playing for the same amount of money, albeit longer contract, in Houston and I don't know if Houston will be a contender without Yao.
Hopefully the Lakers can trade Luke Walton for Trevor Ariza.
Wish you all the best Trevor!
Posted by: never | July 03, 2009 at 01:18 AM
I feel.... conflicted. Ariza was my favorite role player. I thought he would grow up as a Laker with Bynum. But Artest can bring so many things to the table that Ariza couldn't. With Kobe, Artest, Lamar, Pau and Bynum, we've got 5 REALLY effective post players. In fact, the tallest of them all, Bynum, is probably the least effective down low right now, which is really saying something.
Maybe I just need a few days to get over losing Ariza before I completely warm to this. I can certainly say that our starting lineup is imposing.
Good luck Trevor and thank you for all you brought as a Laker.
Posted by: puddle | July 03, 2009 at 01:30 AM
Who is this David Lee character who may have just played the devicive role in Trevor Ariza’s legacy? Here was this major player, perfectly fit in his role within a burgeoning dynasty, and adored by the Laker faithful. I didn’t have any doubt that negotiations were going to work themselves out after our home team confirmed themselves as the best team in the league still on the rise.
Ariza’s decision to sign for the Houstan Rockets doesn’t make sense to me, not on the surface. I think that some time today, colossal tears have been shed. I’m certain that Trevor wanted to remain a Laker. I blame this move soley on his agent, David Lee, who certainly whispered sweet nothings, making Trevor believe that he could pull the same tactics as he did for Drew to maximize his contract. While Ariza might be thinking that the Lakers slapped him in the face by offering him nothing more than the MLE, I think it really was his agent who just destroyed his client’s chances of becoming one of LA’s all-time cult heroes; I’m talking Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, Robert Horry, Derrick Fisher status, though a bit more significant because he’s homegrown.
Truly I don’t know what was said to leave a potential deal in shambles. From the outside looking in, it feels like David Lee wasn’t really looking out for Trevor’s best interests, but rather Lee’s own marketing ploy as a powerhouse agent. Mich has taken too many blows already to let some Ari Gold wannabe twist his arm, twice. Trevor, best of luck. You’ll always be part of the Laker Nation. Fire your agent. Your choice of Houstan over Cleveland, an eighth-seed at best, over a potential Lakers rival in the finals shows your heart still bleeds purple and gold.
I thought it only fitting to respectfully part ways with one of our Lakers before embracing Ron Ron.
Posted by: sprtlzd | July 03, 2009 at 01:38 AM
I think Artest is great fit. Yeah, there is some doubts like if he can accept less shots, but it'll work out. I'm assuming that Phil's coming back and he know how to deal with badboys, remember Rodman?
And there's always extra option - if Artest totally doesn't work out, they can trade him and put Luke into starting five. We'll see, but remember - we're still champions and we've Kobe, Gasol, Bynum and others.
Posted by: Arturs | July 03, 2009 at 01:58 AM
Point: Ariza must be on something to skip on a 2nd ring.
Counterpoint: The Lakers must be on something to get Ron Ron jk..., but they really want to win next year.
I love LA!
Posted by: sparklaker22 | July 03, 2009 at 02:00 AM
This is my thought. Lakers signed Ron Artest not because he will make them better, but to keep him away from the Cavs. Ariza is a better fit for the Lakers and Artest is a better player, at the end, the benefits may even out. But keeping Artest from going to Cleveland, his other desired destination, outweighs any potential pluses Ariza's staying (instead of signing Ron) could have brought.
Posted by: Chuckles | July 03, 2009 at 02:02 AM
I will miss Trevor for sure, but I think his agent David Lee has a huge part of the blame here. I see his quotes and he sounds pathetic. I can't imagine TA saying the things Lee conveyed from the TA cam. "He wasn't appreciated", no offer was ever made", blah blah blah.
I truly feel that if you were to talk directly to Ariza and not his blood-sucking agent, you would hear a much different side to how this deal shook down. If I am wrong, and that is the way that Ariza really felt, then I guess a little more money and five years in hot & humid H-Town is what you get. Maybe 6-7 million tops, but no way did Ariza warrant a phat contract based on one playoff streak.... Just my opinion. Good luck to Artest and Ariza.
Posted by: Mark S. | July 03, 2009 at 02:03 AM
When word came that Ariza was traded, I was thinking... oh please don't go to the Cavs. Upon reading about the free agent swap with Houston, I think this is great news for the Lakers.
Houston does gets a worse player in Ariza (albeit a decent one), and we get a better player and more contract flexibility. Artest has definitely been maturing over the past couple of years.
This is big also in the fact that we should have an easier path to resigning Odom, who I felt, after watching the game 5 Final replay, was pretty beastly with defensive switches and aggressiveness and timely, decisive shots.
Hats off to Mr. Kupchak.
Posted by: LakersWorld | July 03, 2009 at 02:05 AM
We gonna love Ron, just check these videos! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s24kx5ynRVQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBx8LSwqRpE&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZtxQkay0ac&feature=fvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pypXIRnBr1g
Posted by: Arturs | July 03, 2009 at 02:14 AM
Here's what whe can expect from Artest (from Houston Chronicle):
"Two different Artests
He was on his best behavior in his one season with the Rockets as he auditioned for a new contract. There were nights when he played like one of the NBA’s 10 best players. There were way too many nights when his focus and behavior were off the charts.
He screamed at the young point guards so much that he finally was told to stop. He would agree he shouldn’t do it and would promise to stop. Then a game or two later, he’d be back out there on the perimeter, demanding the ball, then dribbling away the 24-second clock or bulling his way into the lane.
Adelman’s offense — based on motion, passes, screens and unselfishness — is a thing of beauty at its best. When one player stops everything or thinks it’s about him, it doesn’t work.
Adelman was brilliant with Artest. He explained why he was doing certain things, never showed his anger when Artest didn’t do them. He was exactly the right coach for Artest, yet Artest simply wasn’t worth the trouble.
The Rockets are better off with Ariza."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6509633.html
If Artest can keep composure in 80% games then Lakers should win 60+ games in regular season. I'd satisified with that kind of record.
Posted by: Arturs | July 03, 2009 at 02:19 AM
I hear that Artest wants Laker fans' help in picking his new number.
I think it should be #1.
He has one goal.
The team has one goal
He is trying to get ring #1.
He wants to be a part of a team that is 1 cohesive unit.
I could think of a dozen other reasons, but i am tired as hell right now.
Ron Artest: SF #1 - Los Angeles Lakers
Posted by: IanFountains | July 03, 2009 at 02:38 AM
http://tinyurl.com/6pa3sa
sorry Trev. i hate to see you go.
i think Mr. Artest will do an excellent job with his ghetto [behind]. so nice to have you aboard, sir.
Posted by: mud | July 03, 2009 at 02:44 AM
Ive prayed for us getting Ron last night. Lets now pray for Artest to fit well with us. Amen.
Posted by: domz | July 03, 2009 at 02:45 AM
i'm imagining the reactions around the league...
Pops: The NBA should have a governing body on free-agent signings!!
David Stern: Mwahahahahahah!!!
LBJ: so... artest huh?...*gulp*
Trevor: *facepalm* ... *facepalm again*... CURSE YOU DAVID LEE!!!!
Posted by: quazzar | July 03, 2009 at 02:54 AM
As you get older you mature and I think Ron is a much better person and a player at the same time a team mate at this point of his career.. Phil Jax been there than that with Dennis Rodman during his Chicago days, so why worry? this Laker team will be much better, stronger, tough team this upcoming NBA Season.. I want to hear about L.O next.
Posted by: Lil_jef_pinoy | July 03, 2009 at 02:54 AM
This is my starting five:
Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Artest, Bryant
I will cal them the FANTASTIC FIVE !!!
Mitch K is a genius, Jerry Buss understands entertainment like no other. No way Jerry Buss will let bring Hollywood in Cleveland.
Now let's get Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson and make this year the best Hollywood picture ever.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 03, 2009 at 03:47 AM
But TA is a nice guy and Ron Ron is a nut case. I like to root for folks I do not despise. His tantrums last year did not make him seem like a champion to me.
Furthermore, TA has become a very, very good role player. Lest we forget, his last minute steals put us up in game after game after game. I don't know who is a better defender, but how many last minute, game winning steals, did Ron Ron have last year?
If it happens I will welcome him as a person wearing a Lakers jersey. But, overall, I am not happy about this.
GOOOoooOOOO LAKERS !!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | July 03, 2009 at 03:54 AM
good move. now the lakers have a surly dude ro deal with other team's surly dudes. they needed a get-down defender, and now Artest will have something to prove (in a good way).
Posted by: kimo | July 03, 2009 at 04:15 AM
Plashke should start reading this blog - On Around The Horn his take on the Lakers resigining Ariza was 100% wrong, for no reason (had he read this blog). He Guaranteed Ariza would be signed. The guy lives in some Tower - he needs to look out the windows now and again. I see he also slams RonRon in his LAT piece. Has this guy always been so far OFF ?
Doug
Posted by: Doug | July 03, 2009 at 04:34 AM
Bill Plashke: whiner.
If the Lakers signed Ariza, we'd all read about how they overpaid him when they could get a better player in Ron Artest for less.
Posted by: L.M. | July 03, 2009 at 04:48 AM
happy to hear the good news..
teaching class right now but had to post..
wassup everybody
go LAKERS!
Posted by: David Whang | July 03, 2009 at 04:56 AM
AK: But will the league, David Stern and ABC allow Ron to check LeBron, since the most drama gets squeezed from Kobe guarding him the entire time? And vice versa? I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't allow switches during possessions.
BK: Maybe, maybe not. But PJ always defies authority anyway.
=============================================
Priceless....
That's one question I have concerning RA guarding LBJ next season. Will the league indeed allow Ron to guard LBJ... I am not in anyway insinuating something in the line of NBA fixing things... but sometimes these questions pops up when a league baby is involved.
Go Lakers!!!!
2010 NBA Champions...
Posted by: dice8up | July 03, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Ok, here are the keys for which this is "good" to "very good" deal for our Lakers:
1) Ariza - Lee were looking for a $7 to $8 m pay from the Lakers, which compromise the chances of the Lakers bringing Odom back. The way it was positioned it was Ariza or Odom;
2) ... because you HAVE to assumed the Lakers are re-signing Odom. If not, I take all my comments back. Question remains whether Odom will sign a multi-year agreement or will sign 1 year and wait for more teams with salary room next summer (I think this is likely, so unless we win it all again there are chances is he will be gone next summer);
3) Lakers big rivals are getting seeking to get bigger and tougher (Cavs,- ONeal, Celtics - Wallace? etc...). With this deal the Lakers get older but also tougher, which will be a good thing for next year.
4) we gain defense versatility; Ariza is a good defender but Artest is a good and versatile defender, who can take big, medium and small size forwards. With a front court with Gasol, Bynum (healthy and more mature, hopefully) and Odon, and Brown, Fisher, Artest and Kobe in the perimeter the Lakers are a defensive power house;
5) Offensively Artest is a better player than Ariza. While I have no doubt on him fitting defensively, the big question is how is the shooting of the ball going to be shared in a starting line with Kobe, Artest, Pau and Bynum. Will the Lakers be able to find again an offensive chemistry with so many potential top scores? It took a while this year (arguably until conference final) for the Lakers to find an offensive balance (with more shots for Gasol) and a better balance inside-perimeter. Will Gasol-Bynum-Odom continue to be fed and participate with Kobe Artest on the perimeter? That is THE QUESTION folks...
So overall a positive move assuming Odom is back. Now, the hope on the downsides is that the motivation to win a ring will make Artest to give up on his individual offensive stats. The other thing is... can a player who has shown constant signs of immaturity change and adapt on a PERMANENT BASIS for a full year? We will find out next years. Regards to all from Spain. Marcus
Posted by: Marcus | July 03, 2009 at 05:24 AM
In David Aldridge's interview with Ron on NBA.com, Ron said something like, "Kobe reached out to me". The context was how the organization was recruiting him, but Ron didn't make it clear if this was in the past, or whether Kobe was actively a part of bringing Artest to the Lakers this week.
This is a big deal, because if Kobe was involved in the recruiting, it obviously means he would rather have Artest than Ariza. If not, there's still the chance he's fuming right now that the Lakers lowballed Trevor.
Got to keep Kobe happy.
Posted by: Mike | July 03, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Do I have any takers on how fast
contracts will get done in the
future?
Mitch: Sasha, we'd like to offer you ...
Sasha: Just give me the d**n contract!
Mitch: But Sasha, we don't want to offend ...
Sasha: Just give me the d**n piece of
paper!
Mitch: But your agent said ...
Sasha: Look. Do you see tattos on my
neck? I'm not goin' out like Trevor and
that's a fact! I'm signing whatever you
put in front of me, and that includes
a bill of sale for my first born. You're
not taking me off of this historic
championship team and that's GOSPEL!
Now give me the friggin' contract before
I climb over that desk and hit you with
a flagrant 2! Kobe is my captain and I
"heart" spaniards!
Phil: [ Walking thru the hallway, sees
Sasha climbing over the desk and
reaching for the paper in Mitch's hand.]
I love role players [ in a soto voice. ]
Posted by: hobbitmage | July 03, 2009 at 06:01 AM
I don't think learning the offense will be that hard for Artest. He's a good player and Kobe and Lamar will be sure to keep him in line. the biggest plus is that ring though. Ron-Ron will do what it takes to win it.
Posted by: john | July 03, 2009 at 06:05 AM
sometime in the distant pass, there were
a bunch of trolls who indicated that
nobody would come and play with
Kobe. Where are said trolls now?
Posted by: hobbitmage | July 03, 2009 at 06:06 AM
Mitch shows again that he is a pro's pro when it comes to basketball decisions, and the Lakers are the beneficiaries because: 1) By turning up his nose at the Lakers' 5.6 million, the Lakers had to decide whether to wait for Ariza and his slow-play agent (remember Bynum negotiations that lasted forever), offer to pay a couple of million above market rate for Ariza, or get a great player who WANTS to be a Laker. The weirdest thing about this move is that for the first time in modern laker history the Lakers will have TWO all-defensive players and thus a team truly committed to defense full time. Hey, if Ariza had wanted to be a Laker he'd be a laker making as much or more than the Rockets will pay him. He made the choice, and Kupchak made a great deal quickly. The Lakers are blessed in many ways, no more so than having the greatest and longest front office continuity of any team since the since Auerbach Celtics. Once again, thank you Jerry Buss for picking Jerry West and then Mitch Kupchak, then letting them make decisions,whether the LA times (or Kobe) likes them or not.
Posted by: Gene Ward | July 03, 2009 at 06:32 AM
I was not for keeping the status quo because it seemed to me that other good teams in the league were getting better (San Antonio, Cleveland), but I don't like this move at all because I don't like Artest. I understand the arguements made here - better on ball defender, more "established" shooter, etc. than Ariza, but Artest is not a good guy, in my opinion. He is more likely to take the team out of what it's trying to do offensively, he is a hot head and is likely to get himself tossed and pick up T's in critical moments. His role in the "brawl" in Detroit a few years back is telling, in my mind. The guy may not be totally stable mentally. I think it's a recipe for a meltdown. In 2 years, we will be wondering why we sold our 1st round draft pick and why we signed Ron Artest.
Posted by: OhioVic | July 03, 2009 at 06:34 AM
I'm just not sure about this "trade", which in essence is what it is. I love Trevor, everything about how he fit our team, which is alot of times more important than pure talent. Everyone is stating how Artest is the overall better player than Ariza ... I disagree. Defensively, the one and only benefit that Artest adds over Ariza is he is capable of defending bigger/stronger oppenents. Ariza is quicker and faster than Artest, he could guard the 1, 2 or 3. Arest is better suited to guard the 3 or 4. Offensively, Ariza is the overall better player. He is the better 3 point shooter, period. also, he took it to the rim WAY more than Artest ever has. Artest is not a pure shooter, not at all. Last issue, how they fit in our system. we have a boat load of good offensive players, and Ariza was perfectly fine being 5th or even 6th fiddle. do you actually think Artest is going to be content shooting just 7-8 times per game, and being our 5th or 6th option? No Way!!!
Posted by: PurpleHeart | July 03, 2009 at 06:36 AM
Phil coached Dennis freakin' Rodman. How'd that work out for Chicago? Every NBA dynasty needs at least one bad boy enforcer. The team as constituted this year had a hard time getting through a MUCH weaker western conference and the East is going to be even better next year. Another great move by the best front office in the league. Always thinking ahead. So all the Chicken Littles (see Plaschke, Bill) should just chill out.
Posted by: Chancho | July 03, 2009 at 06:37 AM
i was bummed (Ariza). But now i'm really excited (RonArt)!
Posted by: Pblaze | July 03, 2009 at 06:38 AM
One of the NBA'a truly bad boys (remember William "Bill" Laimbeer, Jr?), Artest will make a great addition to the Lakers. He holds up his end on both sides of the ball and is virtually unintimidatable.I've been a fan ever since he went after a fan. I love this game! Go Lakers!
Posted by: Warren Taylor | July 03, 2009 at 06:39 AM
If RonRon likes to be where the action is, he chose the right place.
Only at Staples can you have a Finals parade one month, then a Michael Jackson memorial service the next...
Posted by: Scott | July 03, 2009 at 06:40 AM
My two cents are that the Lakers went after the wrong guy. Artest may be more skilled player defensively (which is arguable) and he's certainly stronger physically than Mr. Ariza. But everywhere Artest has gone, there has been more controversy than success. Mr. Ariza is demonstrably the better team mate.
Even if the deal pays off for the Lakers in the short term (which I doubt), Artest's best days as a player are behind him while Mr. Ariza's best days are ahead.
Mr. Kupchek has made a mistake by not showing a proven performer more respect.
Posted by: Sigaba | July 03, 2009 at 06:54 AM
Ron is an incredible fit for the lakers and you left out his most important attribute: ferocity. Ron is a warrior who wants to win very badly and plays with the kind of intensity that Kobe does.
His shot selection will be better because he will get a lot of wide open threes.
I love Trevor's game, but his one weakness was against the bulkier threes like Carmello, Pierce and of course LBJ.
Ron also sets a mean screen and will defend his team mates in an instant and with passion against cheap shots.
Ron and Kobe will be a fearsome wing tandem for the next 3-5 years. Ron-Kobe-Lamar provide incredible flexibility:
Go large:Ron,Kobe,LO,Pau,Dru
Go Small:Farmar,Brown,Kobe,Ron,LO
Trust me; this is bad news for the rest of the league.
Posted by: LongTimeFan | July 03, 2009 at 06:54 AM
He's willing to take less to play for a championship team....loves LA...loves Kobe...homies with Lamar...respects phil...is hungry for a ring....this is a MAJOR upgrade to our roster....I didn't think we could improve the team but we just did in a BIG way....plus we have $$ to give Lamar.... Mitch is en fuego right now!!!
Posted by: Xyz | July 03, 2009 at 06:59 AM
I wonder if Artest was the price of Phil sticking around for another year. Phil likes veterans, and he likes a challenge. He's now coached the uncoachable Kobe to a Shaqless ring. Does he need to add the angry Artest to his list of obstacles to conquer? I mean, the chess game might get boring if he won again with the same team.
Do we need another guy who can post up? And while Artest scores more than Ariza, there's a reason for that. The Lake show likes to get shots from Bryant and Gasol (or Bynum) as earlier options. They shoot higher percentages than Artest. If he scores as many for the Lakers, it may actually decrease the efficiency of the offense if he's taking shots away from the first options.
In fairness, Ariza only shoots open 3s, and passes up the shot if anyone is near, which sometimes leads to 24 second violations if he gets the ball late in the clock. Artest, like Kobe, can shoot in the thick of battle.
Finally, LO's agent must have watched this fiasco and realized the Lakers have discipline. This is not a strong market for free agents, and at this point in his career, LO may not want to finish in Siberia with no rings in sight.
Posted by: thehynie | July 03, 2009 at 07:00 AM
I've been going back and forth on this one. Will really miss Ariza and his great potential. Artest could be brilliant/or a disaster. So what brings me over to being happy about this? Plaschke's against it:? http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lakers3-2009jul03,0,1013056.column
Thanks, Bill!
Posted by: Dan In ChiTown | July 03, 2009 at 07:16 AM
Same as this blog, I liked TA a lot and sorry to see him leave.
What I don't like is his 'new' attitude, wanting out of our team at all costs. We offered him pretty much what he got in Houston..
The 'Fun' factor, if not the short-term 'Upgrade', is a real plus. I am very glad on this switch.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | July 03, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Check out this interview with Rom on espn:
http://tinyurl.com/mbs5ko
Note his emphasis on doing, "whatever the coach asks me to do."
I know a lot of my fellow Laker fans (Hi Bill Plaschke) are hating this trade; you're in good company. Here are some others who are hating the Lakers acquisition of Artest:
LeBron James, and the entire Cavs organisation...
Paul Pierce, and the entire Celtics organisation...
Melo Anthony, and the entire Nuggets organisation...
Vince Carter, and the entire Magic organisation...
By the way, if you start to feel yourself feeling glum after reading Plaschke's article, remember that he argued just as passionately and persuasively for us to dump Kobe Bryant a couple of summers ago.
Laker Kev
Posted by: Laker Kev | July 03, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Has anyone mentioned the most important part of this signing? AK?BK did. We finally get a guy with crazy haircuts. Now if we can get him to marry himself we'll be heaven bound.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | July 03, 2009 at 07:31 AM
I forgot to mention that Richard Jefferson and the entire Spurs organisation are hating this, too.
Laker Kev
Posted by: Laker Kev | July 03, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Moreover...
With our talent level, we will always have 2 -3 all-star caliber players on the court. This will wear down opponents 2nd units. It will also prolong all of our stars' career. We could be looking at four more championships in a row!
Also, this has got to be an acquistion Mike T loves!
Posted by: Laker Kev | July 03, 2009 at 07:34 AM