Ron Artest to the Lakers, says Ron Artest
UPDATE (5:00 pm)- ESPN.com's Chris Broussard reports the deal would be worth "an estimated $18 million" over three years, which is a perfect length from LA's standpoint. Artest will be 30 in November. BK
UPDATE (4:37 pm)- The LAT's Mike Bresnahan is also reporting the Lakers are close to a deal to bring in Artest. He writes that Artest would likely want a full midlevel deal (in the neighborhood of $32 mil over five years), but it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if the contract, once signed, was actually shorter than that. We'll have to wait and see. As Bres notes, Artest's arrival would almost certainly mean the end of Trevor Ariza's tenure in LA. BK
CBS Sports.com's Ken Berger reports Ron Artest is ready to sign with the Lakers. (Note: Berger's original post has been updated with fresh information. The Lakers are not commenting, but Berger writes he has additional corroboration.) No contract terms have been ironed out, Berger writes, but Artest told him he'll be playing in purple and next season:
Artest said he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss Thursday and previously had spoken with Lakers coach Phil Jackson. He was en route to his financial manager's office, where he planned to huddle on the phone with his agent, David Bauman, to finalize details...
..."I don't really care about the money," Artest said. "I'll play there for nothing. ... L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me."
Until there's more concrete news, it's hard to say with certainty what's going on. (If there's such a thing as a player being a bad source regarding his own negotiations, it would likely apply to Artest.) If nothing else, Bauman can't like that whole "play there for nothing" part. The man works on commission. As we talked about in this week's 710 ESPN Lakers PodKast (which also includes a nice interview with Shannon Brown- listen and you'll know that if Brown leaves for another city, it's not because Andy and I didn't try to keep him here), I have some concerns about how Artest fits with the Lakers.
Still, he's an undeniable talent, no question, and in terms of raw ability would add a lot to the squad. Plus, it's always more fun to rub a star player's head as a teammate rather than foe.
More on this to come, I'm sure.
BK
(Photo: Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
Ron is still nearly an All-Star caliber player, well worth more than the MLE, this is a coup for us, as it is for him, since he will now be living in LA, surrounded by guys he respects and trusts, and he will now be able to realize his full potential as a player, personality and person.
Along with that, this almost seals to me that we will resign LO, which is absolutely crucial for our dynasty hopes, not to mention just the right thing to do as far as team success, chemistry and interest.
This is amazing, I'm going to party, though I would like to extend a shout out to Trevor Ariza, dude came through huge for us in the clutch, best of wishes for him in the future, as I expect he will be a star.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Critical Beatdown | July 02, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Well, I was pretty hesitant on this one... But I have to say:
Ron Ron will get Kobe open a lot. That's the plain truth. And he's been behaving himself, too. That's worth something. The man can play some D, which is what this team needs to keep improving.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | July 02, 2009 at 04:36 PM
If this is true I guess so long Ariza and thanks for your effort this year.
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | July 02, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Artest has "sticky hands" and he can shoot teams out of a game. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I want to know how much he's getting paid, and how long his contract is...
Is re-signing Ariza now out of the question? How much does Artest really mean "money doesn't mean much, i'll play for nothing"
I'm not sure about this trade. It's a high risk, but I heard Phil is a big fan of Artest and vise-versa.
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Damn if this is true the league will be pissed again!!! Maybe not as big as the Gasol trade but another nice one by Mitch if it's true. What would be more awesome if TA decides to stay with the Lakers!!!!! Somehow get rid of Morrison and Sasha, Luke, Farmar - trade at some point for a real pg and 3pt shooter - oh my freaking god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DaveW | July 02, 2009 at 04:44 PM
I never thought the Lakers would just stand pat during the off-season, but I admit THIS is a surprise. He does add a new dimension.
Trevor will rue the day David Lee led him away from the perfect fit, but that's now water over the dam.
Well, it sure has been an eventful day. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 02, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Ron-Ron to replace Ariza? Not a bad move if he behaves. In fact, this could be a major upgrade...exciting news, though I hate to see Ariza leave.
Posted by: MCC | July 02, 2009 at 04:44 PM
If that doesn't add toughness and a little instability, I don't know what does. As good and skilled as are squad can be described, a little nastiness and unpredictability can go far too.
Is anyone gonna really punk our guys with Bill on the team? Is KG really come off as a crazy smack-talking lunatic when we have an crazier lunatic on our side? Sure it can work against us. But I'm gonna rely on Phil to sort it all out.
I'm much more amenable to Ron-Ron playing for us than I was a day ago. I question the pecking order of where Ron thinks he is (seems he might think he's Kobe's #2). Pau and Fish are #2s in the hierarchy of leadership and skill, IMO. Ron's a hired mercenary IMO.
Posted by: #4 | July 02, 2009 at 04:44 PM
What?! WHAT???!!! Well, he's a nutcase but he's our lovable nutcase now. Welcome to your 2009-2010 World Champion Lakers, Ron. Do us proud.
Posted by: dave m | July 02, 2009 at 04:45 PM
I don't believe it. Its got to be a rumor...
LG
Posted by: LG | July 02, 2009 at 04:45 PM
What a shame to see Artest so ready to leave the Rockets. Everyone bailing now that Yao is hurt? He wants to play for the Lakers for free? What a brown-noser. You want a ring and sit on the bench? Or would you rather work hard and earn it? Now that I see your true colors, looks like we're better off without you!!! LAME!!!!!
Posted by: Rockets Go Hard | July 02, 2009 at 04:45 PM
If this is true, great pick up for the Lakers. One thing that people keep bringing up is Artest as a "bad teammate" and "chemistry killer". By all accounts he has been a great teammate everywhere he's gone. He's a tad nuts in other regards but I rather have the nuts guy on my team. And this is a great squad to have him on in that regard. With Kobe, Phil, LO (hopefully), Ron Ron won't be in a leadership role and can go out and just play.
Also, if this is true, what a big F-U to David Lee (the agent). Looks like Trevor will have to take the MLE somewhere else and you have to think that Dr. Buss didn't like his antics (again).
Posted by: Andrew Z | July 02, 2009 at 04:45 PM
You can't help but get pumped up about how excited Ron is to join us, that's what we want! The Lakers aren't just a team, we're a way of life, champions. Ron Artest just found his Sparta, where he belongs.
Posted by: Critical Beatdown | July 02, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Well d. lee guess the Lakers didn't fall for the- Banana in the tailpipe trick uh (in a scrawny (soft power) voice.
We got a real Army of the pharaohs now.
Posted by: Magia32 | July 02, 2009 at 04:47 PM
Is it true Rockets have signed Ariza?
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 04:50 PM
Ron Artest is better offensively and defensively than Trevor Ariza. What a steal for the Lakers... back to back baby!
Posted by: Andre | July 02, 2009 at 04:51 PM
If this were true, then its Pau Gasol -version 2 level coup pulled off by Mitch and Lakers!!
So, RA comes instead of TA?? :=)
Posted by: Kobefan in Cupertino | July 02, 2009 at 04:52 PM
I think this is merely a ploy by the lakers- they'd rather have Ariza and now he sees that he is can be easily replaced.
i just wonder how many games artest will cost them with techs or jacking up bad shots. they want him more for his D then anything else.
the good thing is that Kobe and LO, assuming he's back, have known Ron Ron for like 15 years or more so if anyone can keep him mildly sane its these two.
but remember how the rodman experiment went in 99 and the jr rider one went in 00- needless to say they didn't end well
Posted by: tiger | July 02, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Is Artest's head big enough to have L.A Lakers shaved on it? Oh I think so.
Posted by: Magia32 | July 02, 2009 at 04:52 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679
"ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard reports that Artest and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on what is believed to be a three-year contract worth an estimated $18 million. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign new deals."
That's a lot. I would rather sign Ariza to that contract... Ugh
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 04:53 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679
"ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard reports that Artest and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on what is believed to be a three-year contract worth an estimated $18 million. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign new deals."
That's a lot. I would rather sign Ariza to that contract... Ugh
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Not too sure about this - how many games has Artest missed over the last couple of years?
I believe Ariza is a better defender at this point. I'm holding out hope that we do bring Ariza back as well - and use AmMo, Sasha et al to get Rudy as well.
Another thought - could this be a sign-and-trade with the Rockets? That way both teams still have access, if needed to their MLE?
I liked Ariza....
Posted by: LakersRepeat | July 02, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I like the move, but I can't for the life of me comprehend what Ariza is thinking. If other reports I hear are true he's very close to a deal with Houston which would be the MLE. THE SAME MONEY THE LAKERS OFFERED HIM. So he's gonna take the same amount of money to go to a team where for the most part, with McGrady and Yao already due to miss part if not all of the season, he'll have to be their best player. Makes no sense to me? if he's doing it to spite the lakers someone should remind him that cutting off your nose is never a good way to get back at your face.
Posted by: lakersfan_NW | July 02, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Dare I even wish for it...
Can you imagine the potential matchup on Valentines day
next year:
Kobe + Pau + Drew + Ron
vs
Dwight + Rashard + Jameer + Vince
There could be four all-stars each for the Lakers & Orlando
in the All-Star game. That would be flat-out insane.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | July 02, 2009 at 04:54 PM
ESPN has caught up with the news. They're now reporting
it as well. I'm starting to believe it's true.
Or should I say Tru
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | July 02, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Holy guacamole. I just hope we haven't just sold our collective team soul. Ariza may have been limited but he was the devil we knew. This could get ugly or it could mean dynasty. Ronnie, behave!
Posted by: Jesterguru | July 02, 2009 at 04:55 PM
ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports that Artest and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on what is believed to be a three-year contract worth an estimated $18 million. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign new deals.
Posted by: zen | July 02, 2009 at 04:55 PM
And with a 3 year 18 million contract for Artest, can we keep Lamar? If we're letting Ariza go, it's essential to bring back Lamar
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 04:55 PM
I just hope he learns the triangle and doesn't feel the need to dominate the ball. Man, this should be exciting as all hell but I'm filled with trepidation.
Posted by: Jesterguru | July 02, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Don't rejoyce so quickly for Ron Artest. Trevor Ariza is just coming into his career, and losing him will be very disappointing.
Posted by: Bryan | July 02, 2009 at 04:57 PM
REPOST:
I said it before and I'll say it again:
Ron Artest 2009 = Dennis Rodman 1996
72 wins, here we come!
Posted by: Pig | July 02, 2009 at 04:57 PM
ESPN's Chris Broussard is on ESPNEWS now confirming... says the deal is probably somewher ein the neighborhood of 3 years, $18MM.
Posted by: dodgrdog88 | July 02, 2009 at 04:57 PM
let me steady myself... AHAHAHAHAHAAHAA!
Oh... my... god... you know what this means? David Lee drove Trevor Ariza out of town! LOL! Clearly, after Mitch spent all that time talking to Lee and Lee went to the press the Lakers knew David Lee was going to drag this out as long as possible and probably cost the Lakers a shot at Artest.
Love it! Take the decision away from them! I'd rather have Artest than nobody at all, which is the choice the Lakers were looking at if they waited on Ariza.
Wow... this is going to be... really entertaining... Ron Ron and Kobe on the same team... wow...
Posted by: Dallas Raines' Hair | July 02, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Bresnahan of the Times was reporting full length MLE, but
Chris Broussard of ESPN says it's 3 years of MLE (total 18 million).
The latter would actually make a lot more sense. If he stayed
with the Lakers for three years, then they'd have Bird rights and
could re-sign him for more.
He may be one of two figures in the league more polarizing than
Kobe. But he's capable of playing at an All-Star level when his
head is on straight. I think Phil & Kobe & Lamar can keep him
playing mostly in the atmosphere.
Welcome to LA, Ron-Ron
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | July 02, 2009 at 04:59 PM
I'm going to be pissed if this isn't true!!!! But remember it's coming from RonRon so be prepared for it being a hoax. Oh well - we can keep our fingers crossed. I love it - this will be rue entertainment if this is true. I can't wait to meet the friggin green weenies with our "lovable" nut. Even though we won the ring I think many of us still wanted some physical toughness - Ron Ron will bring that. I also love what the other post said about he is excited about being a Laker. Freak - any player should be!!!! TA will be sorry if he actually goes for the money. He will be pissed at DL and himself when he gets to Houston and watches that Lakers go for more rings!!!!
If this is true - Welcome RonRon!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DaveW | July 02, 2009 at 05:00 PM
No only did we get Artest at a great bargain, this will definitely drive down the price to resign Ariza and Odom. Both have mentioned that they want to be back. Both can earn more money with LA than virtually anywhere else. But now, the leverage in negotiations is with Mitch, not the agents. Great job Mitch!
Posted by: Freddy | July 02, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Maybe Ariza caught a bad case of the Turiaf syndrome...
why for the love of god would you go to Houston?....
How long before we see "Ariza to fire his agent"...
What on earth was he thinking?....
I predict that Mike Brown will have problems with Shaq...
Posted by: Thirty2 | July 02, 2009 at 05:02 PM
ESPN is reporting the Artest deal now. 7:55 EST.
Wow. Didn't see this coming. Hope he doesn't disrupt team chemistry. Hate to see Trevor go.
Once upon a time, the Lakers traded away my favorite player on the team, Norm Nixon, for somebody named Byron Scott. I hated that deal initially, but it worked out splendidly for the Lakers. Hope history repeats itself.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | July 02, 2009 at 05:02 PM
The Magic rued the day they let Ariza go, and now the Lakers are probably going to rue the same day...When the going gets tough, Ariza makes a steal. When the going gets tough, Artest bricks a thirty footer.
Posted by: guity | July 02, 2009 at 05:02 PM
If Ariza's agent was just playing around releasing information and told Ariza "don't worry I've got the Lakers under my grips"
I'm going to be Ariza is steaming right now at his agent.
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Artest will not be a suited fit into the lakers tight-knit group!
His temper will flair and undoubtedly result in huge amounts of guilt and shame if Ariza is replaced by Artest.
I've been on edge all day about the chance of Ariza coming back and now i feel sick.
i'm truly dissapointed in the entire lakers franchise if this is actually happening...
Posted by: Phil Logan | July 02, 2009 at 05:02 PM
ESPN reports that the tentative deal is 3 years for $18 million dollars, just over what they offered Ariza, I think it's a pretty dam good deal.
Posted by: DougT | July 02, 2009 at 05:03 PM
I have my reservations about Ron Artest. But, in the IF, IF , IF realm:
IF Bynum is healthy, and
IF Pau continues to grow as an NBA BIG MAN and I
F Artest behaves and accepts a role and
IF Kobe has more juice after a summer off....
Well, PG will not be a real worry. Fish. Shannon. Hell, Mbenga.
IF IF IF it all comes together (Please, Phil, come back) this will be a scary team.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | July 02, 2009 at 05:05 PM
If the Lakers keep LO, I think this works out well. I've been on the fence about Artest on the Lakers-I know the pros(awesome D, decent scoring) and cons(psycho, occasionally trigger happy). But he will be able to frustrate the Lebrons, Vince Carters, and Paul Pierces of the world in the Finals, something he could do much better than Trevor. He went through one year in Houston disaster-free(I thought he got kicked out of those Playoffs games on reputation alone), and his wild days are most likely behind him. His biggest vice would be shooting too much, so Phil has to get him to let the finger off the trigger a bit, but if this goes through the upgrade on defense will be considerable.
Posted by: buddy monk | July 02, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Kupcake did it again. Instead of sitting back and doing nothing while watching EVERY other contending team improve their roster, he came out with guns blazing. What a bold move.
Ariza'a agent stated that the Lakers do not want Ariza, and most of us assumed that this was nothing but a negotiation tactic. Maybe David Lee was telling the truth after all, maybe the front office wanted Artest all along? Hmmmmm.
Lebron, Poppovich, Pierce, Danny Ainge, Carmelo and Stan Van Gundy are screaming "NOOOOOO" right about now.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | July 02, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Friggin David Lee totally sucks and all NBA players should take a look at what he did to TA. i really can't believe this is taking place....but if it's true then when TA is playing in Houston, with all his family in LA, and Yao out for the season - TMac will get hurt again....ughhh!!! I feel for him. He was vital to our team this year - I can't believe he is taking DLee's advice. Man, he should have just taken the MLE and call it a done deal. Will he really feel the love from Houston that he gets in LA? Not saying Houston fans won't like him - just that he is an LA boy. And David Lee - where the hell does he live? He gets to stay in his cush place wherever that is - he doesn't have to move to Houston.
BUT- we totally welcome you RonRon!! Play your heart out - keep your head on straight and we have a monster team!!!!
Posted by: DaveW | July 02, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Ron can't get out on the fast break and in transition though. He's not as good on defense anymore and he loooves his shot. He doesn't really like playing the role of "role player" he likes to do a little too much. His attention span is so short.
I don't know if Artest would replace Ariza that's for sure. If these reports are true its going to be interesting to see how Artest will fit in, or if he will even fit in. :/
Posted by: cinz | July 02, 2009 at 05:11 PM
I don't know what to say. I love TA, specially what he did for Lakers this season. But Ron is capable of doing everything that we got from TA and plus more. I'm little worry about Ron's attitude but feeling better than Phil and Kobe can control it. Welcome Ron. Sorry but wish you all the best TA.
Posted by: M Alam | July 02, 2009 at 05:12 PM
So basically we just traded Ariza for Artest.
I know i didnt really want to swallow this down, but i think it will work out in the end because:
(cue the Letterman top 10 music)
10. He is tough, we need toughness. Pretty Simple.
9. Him and Odom (assuming he comes back) have known each other since they were like 10. so i do not believe (dear god help us) that his behavior would be an issue because LO, Kobe and PJ will keep him in check. Besides, i didnt really see any problems with him while he was in Houston.....oh except the table leg incident.
8. Seriously, his antics are hollywood-esque. So what better place to be hollywood then in hollywood.
7. Ariza got his ring and will get his money, so there might be a chance he slacks off ala the Broken Machine. On the other side, Artest is taking less to play with a winner because he wants a title.
6. He is a good shooter, him and ariza are about the same on that, but i think that RonRon goes to the hole a bit more.
5. Defense, i love his defense, i loved in in everyplace he has been. This will take care of guarding Melo, Roy, Lebron, Pierce, Tayshaun, VC, and any other SG/SF that the other team has.
4. I really want to know if he will put the Lakers "L" logo on the side of his head.
3. I am interested to see what crazy number he will wear this time around
2.We paid less for him than we would have paid for Ariza. And we got (when behaved) a better and more experienced player anyways
and #1.......
Finally some tough guy who doesn't take crap from nobody to rough up Andrew Bynot and turn him into Andrew Bynastay!
and 1a. it will put to truth that the toughest person he has to guard will be B. Roy.....since now Kobe is his teammate.
Posted by: IanFountains | July 02, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Does anyone have any solid information about whether we can afford Artest AND Ariza?
Posted by: PurpleHeart | July 02, 2009 at 05:12 PM