Artest to the Lakers..

[SouthTexasRancher]

House seems to get more dilusional with every post. :lol


Yep!

Have a good weekend. I agree with Harlem Heat...I am through with this silly thread.

[iggypop123]

I already gave my arguments..I also agree that it could go either way, although I'm leaning towards bad..Lakers are the favorites either way, they obviously deserve respect as the reigning NBA Champions, so I'll give them that..

I'm done in this thread though..

I feel dirty for writing multiple posts in a thread involving Lakers fans..disgusting people that actually work and spend money to buy the merchandise of a rapist that throws teammates under the bus, and buy tickets to see him..they also go out and destroy their city after their team wins a title, surely following in the footsteps of a criminal like Mr.Kobe..it's the equivalent of being a Nazi soldier, following Hitler as he killed innocent people..

i never thought i would see anybody worse than spurscenter but damn i found one

[Mugen]

haha ive supported the lakers getting artest since the ariza news break out.

good stuff if you're a spurs fan.

[Capt Bringdown]

LOL :rollin We'll make sure you are there for the trophy presentation. Why don't you be honest with yourself, even if you are not with all the posters here and change your team to who it really is...the La La Land Fakers. You fool no one.

Go fuck yourself and your lame "I'm a better fan than you" BS.
It'd be nice if the Spurs were the team everyone was looking up to, but that's no longer the case.

Artest is a huge talent upgrade over Ariza, and PJ has a history of turning nutcases into champions. I think this deal solidifes their championship chances next year.

[Mr. Body]

It'll be interesting to see how Artest works out. He's a ballstopper in his own offense and is prone to boneheaded play. But at his best, he can be among the best players in the league.

Ultimately, though, I don't know if this is an improvement over Ariza. Lakers don't need another offensive threat and Ariza was already good defensively.

[Danny.Zhu]

Guys...

We are in big troubles...

If we can get Rasheed, we can just reach even in the interior.

But how can we defend Kobe + Artest? Jefferson+Manu?

PG will be the only advantage.

[Shastafarian]

Guys...

We are in big troubles...

If we can get Rasheed, we can just reach even in the interior.

But how can we defend Kobe + Artest? Jefferson+Manu?

PG will be the only advantage.

Yeah our PF really sucks.

[ezau]

I really think that this trade simply doesn't improve the Lakers drastically. Remember, Ariza is a young, long, and athletic player who doesn't need the ball in his hands all the time. Artest on the other hand, is better offensively, but he's older, slower, and less athletic than Ariza. Sure he's an upgrade, but it isn't an upgrade that will make the Lakers nearly invincible next year. The RJ trade was definitely better than this Artest trade for the Laker. The Spurs simply through away big stiffs and they got themselves a solid SF who can both score and defend and isn't a nutcase like Artest.

[Ditty]

lakers have no bench and all sources are pointing to odom leaving

no worried about a guy whos defense is not as good as it used to be

there will be a problem soon trust me

[The_Game]

lakers have no bench and all sources are pointing to odom leaving

no worried about a guy whos defense is not as good as it used to be

there will be a problem soon trust me

There are NO SIGNS pointing to Odom leaving...quit making up crap. This move makes it even more likely Odom stays. He was one of the main guys pushing Artest to sign.

There is no chance Odom is anywhere but L.A.

quit getting your hopes up.

[21_Blessings]

lakers have no bench and all sources are pointing to odom leaving



:lmao Leaving for where? He's lived on the beach his entire career. Odom grew up playing AAU with Artest. He's going nowhere.

[Ditty]

There are NO SIGNS pointing to Odom leaving...quit making up crap. This move makes it even more likely Odom stays. He was one of the main guys pushing Artest to sign.

There is no chance Odom is anywhere but L.A.

quit getting your hopes up.

:lol insecure

There are NO SIGNS to Odom staying

so what if artest signed and is good friends with him or whatever thats why they got him

thats fucking stupid

Odom is going to get paid

reality check :rollin

[itzsoweezee]

love it. i hope they lose odom as a result.

[WayOutWest]

It's not a fake twitter page. And I've been searching. The only people who are confirming this are on Crazy Ron's side of things.

So every major sports outlet is on the side of Ron? Ron is on board with the Lakers, it's as close to a done deal as you can get before July 8th.

[Ditty]

:lmao Leaving for where? He's lived on the beach his entire career. Odom grew up playing AAU with Artest. He's going nowhere.

to your moms house fag

thats what yall said about ariza

"oh hes from LA he will defintley stay"

:lmao

houston gets the younger better guy while Lakers are getting older than the spurs :lol

[NewJerSpur]

Well, Phoenix isn't the beach, but it's still a sunny, western state and the Suns have money to throw at Lamar.

[The_Game]

Well, Phoenix isn't the beach, but it's still a sunny, western state and the Suns have money to throw at Lamar.

No they don't, not enough.

[The_Game]

:lol insecure

There are NO SIGNS to Odom staying

so what if artest signed and is good friends with him or whatever thats why they got him

thats fucking stupid

Odom is going to get paid

reality check :rollin


who is going to pay Odom anymore than 8-10 million? NOBODY...Lakers are willing to spend on Odom seeing as they didn't have to overpay for Artest and let Ariza go.

you are a complete idiot if you think any team can offer him more than the MLE and even bigger idiot if you think the lakers won't bring him back.

[NewJerSpur]

No they don't, not enough.

We'll soon find out.

[WayOutWest]

:lol insecure

There are NO SIGNS to Odom staying

so what if artest signed and is good friends with him or whatever thats why they got him

thats fucking stupid

Odom is going to get paid

reality check :rollin

No sign other than Odom saying he wants to stay in LA, and he'll take less money to do it.

No sign other than the Lakers clearing money on draft night to resign Odom.

No sign other than the Lakers NOT spending more than the MLE to keep money free to resign Odom.

IMO signs point to Odom staying with the Lakers.

[Ditty]

who is going to pay Odom anymore than 8-10 million? NOBODY...Lakers are willing to spend on Odom seeing as they didn't have to overpay for Artest and let Ariza go.

you are a complete idiot if you think any team can offer him more than the MLE and even bigger idiot if you think the lakers won't bring him back.

:lol

The Lakers remained far apart on negotiations Wednesday with their two main free-agent pieces, forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.

from the la times if you know how to read dip shit

phoenix reportley offered 10 million to odom there is about 5 other teams in the league that can offer odom 10 million and trust me with odom possibly coming off the bench which he wouldn't want a punk like artest in front of him there is no way he sign with LA on the cheap, you and some of the lakers fags need to come to reality that odom is not going to settle for 5 million a year :lmao

[21_Blessings]

^^ Not sure what's dumber, your posting or the "Redskins 2010 Champs" you have in your title.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

The question surrounding Odom has always been will he play for love or money? He said he loved winning, but he's also gotta "feed the family" (man, I hate that shit - yeah, how many millions you acrue is all about feeding the family... :rolleyes ).

Go feed the family, Lamar. Do it! :D

[Ditty]

No sign other than Odom saying he wants to stay in LA, and he'll take less money to do it.

No sign other than the Lakers clearing money on draft night to resign Odom.

No sign other than the Lakers NOT spending more than the MLE to keep money free to resign Odom.

IMO signs point to Odom staying with the Lakers.

i dont know where yall are getting that he will take less money to come off the bench he must be a idiot to do that:lol,if he falls for that then thats props to the lakers but i would think feels disrespected by that espically that the lakers spend money on artest and they cant get him a contract. the lakers will have a good starting lineup no doubt about it, but who will be your six man?

Lakers spent there whole MLE on artest last time

[Ditty]

^^ Not sure what's dumber, your posting or the "Redskins 2010 Champs" you have in your title.

yah and laker fans thinking odom will settle for less money and come off the bench is dumb by anyone that thinks that :lol


shit redskins are better than any football team in LA? :lol

[The_Game]

:lol

The Lakers remained far apart on negotiations Wednesday with their two main free-agent pieces, forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.

from the la times if you know how to read dip shit

phoenix reportley offered 10 million to odom there is about 5 other teams in the league that can offer odom 10 million and trust me with odom possibly coming off the bench which he wouldn't want a punk like artest in front of him there is no way he sign with LA on the cheap, you and some of the lakers fags need to come to reality that odom is not going to settle for 5 million a year :lmao

MORON you really need to learn the salary cap.

there are not 5 teams who can offer him 10 million....lakers are the only team who can offer more than anything else and will do so if needed.

Toronto, Portland are teams who can offer big money.....

Phoenix need to clear cap space to offer Odom a big contract..they can't offer jackshit right now.

[WayOutWest]

i dont know where yall are getting that he will take less money to come off the bench he must be a idiot to do that:lol,if he falls for that then thats props to the lakers but i would think feels disrespected by that espically that the lakers spend money on artest and they cant get him a contract. the lakers will have a good starting lineup no doubt about it, but who will be your six man?

Lakers spent there whole MLE on artest last time

Odom has stated he would take less money to stay with the Lakers, no mention about comming off the bench.

I don't know where you are getting the idea that the Lakers can't get him a contract. I've not read anything that states the Lakers were going to offer Odom the MLE, everything I've read indicates they were/are going to offer more since they expected to use the MLE on Ariza.

Money changes everything so I'm not banking on Odom comming back but I think he will. If he doesn't then I agree that it's a net loss for the Lakers.

[The_Game]

Odom wants 10 mill a year but likely thing is might have to settle for around 8 million to return to L.A which he will as no other team will offer him anymore than that

[Ditty]

MORON you really need to learn the salary cap.

there are not 5 teams who can offer him 10 million....lakers are the only team who can offer more than anything else and will do so if needed.

Toronto, Portland are teams who can offer big money.....

Phoenix need to clear cap space to offer Odom a big contract..they can't offer jackshit right now.

okay first of all dipshit :lol i was just making up a number of teams that cann offer him a big contract, and asshole you dont understand the salary cap if you think the lakers are over the luxary tax and will pay $20 million a year after luxary tax to come off the bench would be stupid odom aint worth that much, just yall need him because yall bench is garbage :hat

besides the teams you named grizzles if they dont get david lee,thunder would be another destination of a up and coming team, phoneix will buy out ben wallace and will have salary cap space,atlanta

i hope he lands in phoenix so he can screw up that team to overpay him

[Allanon]

Odom's made big money in his first couple of stints. He knows all about making the big bucks on a losing team (ie. teh Clippas). He loves the sandy beaches and he loves the Hollywood lifestyle. Losing wears on you as a person. He's looking at $8 million to stay on the Lakers or $10 million to play in Memphis or Arizona.

Lamar Odom said it best "Less is stil alot of money."

I have no doubts that Lamar will be back this year.

[The_Game]

okay first of all dipshit :lol i was just making up a number of teams that cann offer him a big contract, and asshole you dont understand the salary cap if you think the lakers are over the luxary tax and will pay $20 million a year after luxary tax to come off the bench would be stupid odom aint worth that much, just yall need him because yall bench is garbage :hat

besides the teams you named grizzles if they dont get david lee,thunder would be another destination of a up and coming team, phoneix will buy out ben wallace and will have salary cap space,atlanta

i hope he lands in phoenix so he can screw up that team to overpay him

:lol just because the suns will buyout ben wallace doesn't make he won't still be on their salary you idiot...it still counts.

LEARN THE SALARY CAP

Lakers are more than willing to give Odom a contract in the 7-8 range and might get it up to 9 which odom will likely accept...nobody else will offer him a contract in that range. just isn't likely.

Dr Buss wasn't willing to sign ariza for over MLE due to also wanting Odom for a good amount...hense why artest was signed.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Forgive me if it has already been posted, but I keep hearing that Odom has stated that he would take less money to stay with the Lakers and I have yet to actually read that statement from him. Could someone please post a link that shows that quote from him? Thanks in advance.

The only reason I ask is because it was "reported" and highly speculated that Rasheed Wallace was quoted as saying he would retire if he didn't get an offer of $8M+ this offseason - and that appears to be false if he is making trips to teams that can only offer the MLE.

[Ditty]

Odom has stated he would take less money to stay with the Lakers, no mention about comming off the bench.

I don't know where you are getting the idea that the Lakers can't get him a contract. I've not read anything that states the Lakers were going to offer Odom the MLE, everything I've read indicates they were/are going to offer more since they expected to use the MLE on Ariza.

Money changes everything so I'm not banking on Odom comming back but I think he will. If he doesn't then I agree that it's a net loss for the Lakers.

prove to me that odom has said he will take less money? a statment from odom actully?not just speculation that he will and if so i will believe odom will be back and lakers will overpay him so

[Blackjack]

Certified nutjob that plays good defense and wants to win more than anything.

He'll conform to Phil's culture just like Rodman did.

Dynasty time, boys.

I repeat:

I don't like the acquisition for the Lakers but I'm not going to condemn it, either.

After seeing both Antoine Walker and Jason Williams get rings, I'll never say never again.:wtf

I will say this, though.

Artest is not Rodman, nor should Phil's ability to coach Rodman be equivocated to him coaching Artest.

Rodman was a highly intelligent ball player who knew his limitations on the court, and what attributes of his game were needed in order to win.

Artest is a specimen with an abundance of tools and ability, but lacks the know-how to utilize them for the best of the team, because of a belief that he's better than what he is. He doesn't know his limitations or how to sacrifice certain aspects of his game to focus on less glorified attributes that would actually contribute more to his team's overall success..

I'm not sure if Ariza could've been had for something just over the MLE but if he could've, I'm not sure why you fix something that's not broke.

As of right now, and as a Spurs fan, I don't mind this move at all.

But I reserve the right to change my mind...:smokin

[Ditty]

:lol just because the suns will buyout ben wallace doesn't make he won't still be on their salary you idiot...it still counts.

LEARN THE SALARY CAP

Lakers are more than willing to give Odom a contract in the 7-8 range and might get it up to 9 which odom will likely accept...nobody else will offer him a contract in that range. just isn't likely.

Dr Buss wasn't willing to sign ariza for over MLE due to also wanting Odom for a good amount...hense why artest was signed.

last time i checked the whole contract dosent count against the cap idiot

lol:lol odom 7-8 million dollar and yall talk about not overpaying players

i know odom aint worth that much but surely a team will overpay him jsut to steal him from the lakers. the lakers will have a great 4 and a bad rest of the team.

[WayOutWest]

prove to me that odom has said he will take less money? a statment from odom actully?not just speculation that he will and if so i will believe odom will be back and lakers will overpay him so

Everything I've read has said "Odom has stated", so it's possible that it's all just speculation since I haven't seen an actual quote or video either.

I'm pretty sure Odom will be back, there are only a couple of teams that can offer more than the MLE. The only proof you need will be presented in about a week when Odom and the Lakers announce they have come to terms.

[Ditty]

Sorry but I'd take Crazy Ron over the Ambiguously Gay Richard Jefferson any day of the week.

I've always respected San Antonio but LA has usually had their number and unless they suffer a rash of injuries or SA is able to avoid the Lakers in the playoffs, I don't see anyone stopping them in the west.

don't you have work tommorow

:lol

[draft87]

:lol just because the suns will buyout ben wallace doesn't make he won't still be on their salary you idiot...it still counts.

LEARN THE SALARY CAP

Lakers are more than willing to give Odom a contract in the 7-8 range and might get it up to 9 which odom will likely accept...nobody else will offer him a contract in that range. just isn't likely.

Dr Buss wasn't willing to sign ariza for over MLE due to also wanting Odom for a good amount...hense why artest was signed.


if can't say something nice, then get the hell out of the san antonio forum. go 69 another laker fan and then pillow talk how great it is to be a laker fan.

[NewJerSpur]

Sorry but I'd take Crazy Ron over the Ambiguously Gay Richard Jefferson any day of the week.

I've always respected San Antonio but LA has usually had their number and unless they suffer a rash of injuries or SA is able to avoid the Lakers in the playoffs, I don't see anyone stopping them in the west.

It's not simply about who accumulates the most/better talent, but how the acquisitions impact each team and fills certain needs/holes.

Btw, that was a so-so rendition of Mariotti.

[DAF86]

^^ Not sure what's dumber, your posting or the "Redskins 2010 Champs" you have in your title.

Artest is dumber than both combined.

[bishopospurs]

artest's personality is more deficient than Magic Johnson's immune system. glad to have jefferson.

[DrHouse]

Odom isn't going anywhere. This move has solidified that.

If you think the Laker brass is thinking they can compete without Odom you are outside your mind. They are going to play the waiting game with Odom until he accepts their offer of $8-9 million or so.

It's baffling how dumb Spurs fans are. You'd think the Lakers just traded away Kobe Bryant and signed T-mac by your reactions. Ridiculous, haven't you all gotten tired of being proven absolutely dead fucking wrong?



Kobe can't win without Shaq
Lakers haven't done shit since '02

[crc21209]

Of course..championships aren't won on paper(see: '04 Lakers)

But Artest is a significant upgrade over Ariza. Who is in his own right a good player. But I view Artest as far more consistant on both ends of the floor, can post up(if needed) and can still drain 3's as Ariza could. The only negative(obviously) is can Artest keep his head on straight.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall ABC broadcasters ever mentioning that Ariza was traded to LA from Orlando because Van Gundy couldn't stand him. While he certaintly made some key plays against Denver, he played significantly better against Orlando and I don't view that as a coincidence.

If I were LA, I'd rather gamble on Artest than overpay Ariza.

Btw, I'm more happy since I don't have to endure Ozzie Guilen calling me a fag wherever I go

Artest reverted back to a jump shooting little bitch in the LA series. He doesnt take it hard to the rack anymore and isnt the defender he used to be anymore either. Most of that series Battier made Kobe work for his stuff, not Artest.

[DrHouse]

You know what, you guys are right.

Artest is a washed up, no good, hack. He can't play a lick of defense, will chuck shots relentlessly, and will destroy the team from the inside out.

Yep, that's exactly what's going to happen next season. This is really the best thing that could ever happen to the Spurs.

:lmao at how delusional your fanbase is. You cannot accept reality, ever. You couldn't accept that you lost legitimately in '04 or '08. It's always the refs, injuries, or some other BS card.

[DAF86]

You know what, you guys are right.

Artest is a washed up, no good, hack. He can't play a lick of defense, will chuck shots relentlessly, and will destroy the team from the inside out.

Yep, that's exactly what's going to happen next season. This is really the best thing that could ever happen to the Spurs.

:lmao at how delusional your fanbase is. You cannot accept reality, ever. You couldn't accept that you lost legitimately in '04 or '08. It's always the refs, injuries, or some other BS card.

Why do you always act like a little insecure bitch when talking about the Lakers?

[NewJerSpur]

Of course..championships aren't won on paper(see: '04 Lakers)

But Artest is a significant upgrade over Ariza. Who is in his own right a good player. But I view Artest as far more consistant on both ends of the floor, can post up(if needed) and can still drain 3's as Ariza could. The only negative(obviously) is can Artest keep his head on straight.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall ABC broadcasters ever mentioning that Ariza was traded to LA from Orlando because Van Gundy couldn't stand him. While he certaintly made some key plays against Denver, he played significantly better against Orlando and I don't view that as a coincidence.

If I were LA, I'd rather gamble on Artest than overpay Ariza.

Btw, I'm more happy since I don't have to endure Ozzie Guilen calling me a fag wherever I go

Artest is more versatile offensively, but Ariza is simply a better overall defender. He also can hit big shots down the stretch and make better decisions with the basketball during crunchtime than Ron Ron, who despite his scoring ability can fall in love way too easily with the 3-ball which would piss Kobe off.

[InK]

You know what, you guys are right.

Artest is a washed up, no good, hack. He can't play a lick of defense, will chuck shots relentlessly, and will destroy the team from the inside out.

Yep, that's exactly what's going to happen next season. This is really the best thing that could ever happen to the Spurs.

:lmao at how delusional your fanbase is. You cannot accept reality, ever. You couldn't accept that you lost legitimately in '04 or '08. It's always the refs, injuries, or some other BS card.

You yourself said that Ariza> Artest if the money is the same. I think its a downgrade as well, not a big one though. Lakers got a little bit worse (by how much we ll see come November), but if the offseason ended today you guys would still be clear favourites. The majority of people here realize that.

[Streakyshooter08]

I really think Artest will help the Lakers. All it comes down to is:

1. Is he able to keep his head straight?
2. Is he able to accept being the 3rd option?

All in all I think this is a medium risk high reward move. I agree that he is not the fastest on the defensive end and he sometimes takes ill-advised shots. But if he can control his shot selection and his head he really is a good signing for the Lakers. Especially for the MLE!

That said, I really thinks it comes down to Odom. If he stays the Lakers will be the favorites once again to win the West. If he leaves it is another story. That would mean you "traded" Odom/ Ariza for Artest. Right now it looks like he stays, so imo the Lakers just became better.

[kobyz]

damn that sucks! now the championship hope are over, that close the story on who will win the title, the only question left open is if the Lakers will break the 70 win record of the Bulls.

[venitian navigator]

I really think Artest will help the Lakers. All it comes down to is:

1. Is he able to keep his head straight?
2. Is he able to accept being the 3rd option?

All in all I think this is a medium risk high reward move. I agree that he is not the fastest on the defensive end and he sometimes takes ill-advised shots. But if he can control his shot selection and his head he really is a good signing for the Lakers. Especially for the MLE!

That said, I really thinks it comes down to Odom. If he stays the Lakers will be the favorites once again to win the West. If he leaves it is another story. That would mean you "traded" Odom/ Ariza for Artest. Right now it looks like he stays, so imo the Lakers just became better.

The point is that if they don't re-sign Odom, they've basically only the LLE and minimum contracts to fill their roster....that means not so valuable players.
Also in this "small" market a lot of teams are capable to offer Odom not only the MLE (like us) but a lot more than the MLE...(Phoenix?)...

Whot I still don't understand is why Ariza decided to take the some amount of money (MLE) probably already offered by the Lakers from another team.... maybe it's been a decisions of both teams....lakers see Artest like a win now player, Houston, with the actual ming/mcgrady problems, more win in the future....

[mudyez]

I really think Artest will help the Lakers. All it comes down to is:

1. Is he able to keep his head straight?
2. Is he able to accept being the 3rd option?


1. I think he will under Phil...(I'm not a big fan of PJ, but thats were he is best)
2. I think he will too...basically he did last year behind T-Mac and Yao, so why he shouldnt now with the Champion, Pau and this Kobe guy everyone is talking bout

...BUT, even if that is true: Ariza would have been better for the Lakers...Artest is a slight downgrade with the positive, that LA should be more able to defend Melo or Lebron, but will have bigger problems against the Spurs

ok, for the Lakers and good for the Spurs

[Streakyshooter08]

The point is that if they don't re-sign Odom, they've basically only the LLE and minimum contracts to fill their roster....that means not so valuable players.
Also in this "small" market a lot of teams are capable to offer Odom not only the MLE (like us) but a lot more than the MLE...(Phoenix?)...


That was what I thought about: which teams are able to pay Odom more than the MLE?

Portland
Toronto
OKC
Memphis?

I just don't see that Odom joins one of those teams. So the most likely scenario is that je stays with the Lakes for like 7-10 mio a year...

:depressed

[TheSpursFNRule]

damn that sucks! now the championship hope are over, that close the story on who will win the title, the only question left open is if the Lakers will break the 70 win record of the Bulls.
:bang

[mudyez]

could see Toronto making a run at him, if they fail with Hedo

[Allanon]

That was what I thought about: which teams are able to pay Odom more than the MLE?

Portland
Toronto
OKC
Memphis?

You're correct as far as I know...those are the only remaining teams with salary cap space above the MLE.

Not a good fit
Toronto - Bosh+Odom is a bad mix because both are a little too skinny for their position.
OKC Thundah - Already have a skinny frontcourt with Jeff Green & Kevin Durant. Doesn't make sense for them to add yet another skinny forward to their team.

OK Fit
Portland - Already has LaMarcus Aldridge playing heavy minutes. Along with redundancy in Oden/Pryzbilla...would they want to pay $10 million plus for a backup?

Great Fit
Memphis could put up the money and could really use Lamar to go with the tank-like Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo.

C - Marc Gasol/Hasheem Thabeet
PF - Lamar Odom
SF - Rudy Gay
SG - OJ Mayo
PG - Mike Conley

That would be a pretty bad-ass lineup.

[KSeal]

You're correct as far as I know...those are the only remaining teams with salary cap space above the MLE.

Not a good fit
Toronto - Bosh+Odom is a bad mix because both are a little too skinny for their position.
OKC Thundah - Already have a skinny frontcourt with Jeff Green & Kevin Durant. Doesn't make sense for them to add yet another skinny forward to their team.

OK Fit
Portland - Already has LaMarcus Aldridge playing heavy minutes. Along with redundancy in Oden/Pryzbilla...would they want to pay $10 million plus for a backup?

Good Fit
Memphis could put up the money and could really use Lamar to go with the tank-like Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo.

You do realize the Grizzles just traded for Zach Randolph right. It would make no sense for them to go after Lamar, plus them and OKC aren't spending much this off season apparently.

[21_Blessings]

Memphis just traded for Z-Bo so I assume they want to play him. So they're out for Odom.

[mudyez]

here is my opinion:

TOR: good fit
...they need to do averything they can to have a good season and therefor making Bosh feel, that he is at the right place...with a european run and gun style I could even see a Odom+Marion linup + Bosh at center working

MEM: ok fit
...basketballwise it would put a realy nice team on the court and if Thabeet does good, I even could see them contending for the playoffs...even though I'm not a great fan of Conley and Mayo may be to young to help them get there...on the other side thats a really young team and I dont think they are at the point where getting that one experienced player makes sense

OKC: ok fit
...I'd like to see them play together and Odoms playmaking could be nice to complement a "not so playmaking"-PG in westbrook...but just as with MEM I dont think, they are done getting young players

POR: not a good fit
...just dond see where he gets his playing time

[Ghost Writer]

We're fvcked now.

[KSeal]

It comes down to Toronto and Portland and I honestly don't see why either of them would want Lamar. There really isn't any need, Bosh is there and LMA is in Portland. Even if they gave him an offer it probably wouldn't be big enough for Lamar to choose them over the Lakers who will probably give LO something around 8 a year.

[Allanon]

Memphis just traded for Z-Bo so I assume they want to play him. So they're out for Odom.


You do realize the Grizzles just traded for Zach Randolph right.

No I didn't know :lol

[KSeal]

No I didn't know :lol

:rollin

Yes the Grizzles are that fucking retarded.

[Mugen]

well we def need more rebounding now that Ron Ron is gonna be chucking up those 25 footers.

[KSeal]

Didn't you guys draft Blair, he's a stud from what Spur fans have said.

[Sii]

damn that sucks! now the championship hope are over, that close the story on who will win the title, the only question left open is if the Lakers will break the 70 win record of the Bulls.

LEts JUst CANcel the SEAson!!!!!!111

fucking retard

[Death In June]

I hope this motivates the spurs to aggressively pursue a few more pieces. Maybe a backup sf, and a couple of bigs via trade or FA.

[spurspokesman]

Bill Plaschke just told it like it is. Lakers are no better with artest than with Ariza. WOW

[Ditty]

Memphis just traded for Z-Bo so I assume they want to play him. So they're out for Odom.

insecure :lol

[Blackjack]

The Artest Trade


I’m ambivalent.

On the on hand, Artest is a better player than Trevor Ariza. The Lakers are an embarrassment of riches, and they just traded a ruby for a diamond. But I’m with those who think Artest is a bad fit in Los Angeles. And more importantly, the Spurs could benefit from Trevor Ariza’s departure from L.A.


Defensively, the Lakers (and Magic) give the Spurs fits because of their length. The collective length of Ariza-Odom-Gasol-Bynum was especially difficult for two Spurs, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. In large part, this free agent period is about getting Tim Duncan the help he needs against teams like L.A. But until last night, the Spurs could do little to nothing to counter Trevor Ariza’s length against Tony Parker. Henry Abbott recently asked, “Who Can Guard Tony Parker?” TrueHoop Network colleague and Lakers blogger Kurt Henlin responded with an answer most Spurs fans would second:

The Lakers have had their best success not with small and quick but with bigger and longer. Look at it this way, under today’s rules Tony Parker could not defend Tony Parker, Jameer Nelson could not stop Jameer Nelson. Defending these guards with bigger, longer players allows some room for mistakes with good recovery. They Lakers had some of their best success this season when Trevor Ariza was switched to cover a point guard. Just something to think about.

I also wonder whether the signing of Artest won’t marginalize Lamar Odom to some extent. If that’s the case, the Spurs will only benefit.

Having said all that, this was the right move for Los Angeles. It’s a big gamble, but when your safety net consists of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Phil Jackson, you can deal with a potential misfire.

There is a message in this trade, and one worth noting. The Lakers did not make this move with the Spurs in view. No, they were thinking about Cleveland. Ron Artest is one of the few defenders in the league that can do a fair job against LeBron James. This was a response, however odd it might seem, to the Shaquille O’Neal trade.

Remember when Shaq was traded to Phoenix and Gasol to Los Angeles. Kevin Garnett opined that the moves were just two teams trying to get over the San Antonio hump. Phoenix had made one drastic move because they knew the threat to their championship hopes resided in Alamo City. Both teams identified San Antonio as their biggest obstacle, and adjusted accordingly. Well, the Lakers are sitting atop their lofty championship perch and they see a threat on the horizon. That threat is Cleveland.

The Spurs still have work to do this offseason.

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/07/03/the-artest-trade/#more-3493

[z0sa]

The "spurs fans" saying this season is over already make me fucking sick. Jump off the bandwagon and never get back on. Artest's bitchass doesn't mean shit to spursfans. Who's he gonna guard when we have 4 perimeter scorers on the floor at all time?

[Spurs Brazil]

Lakers look to Artest to fill dramatic role
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

Kobe Bryant(notes) always admired that Ron Artest(notes) never acted like he wanted an autograph when duty demanded that he defend him. He loved that Artest was combustible and crazy and always left people wondering: Is this the moment when Ron-Ron loses his mind again, when all hell breaks loose?


Deep down, Bryant wanted Artest on his side. Artest gives a thirtysomething Kobe what Dennis Rodman gave a thirtysomething Michael Jordan: A belligerent, tough guy bearing the burden of protecting the superstar’s back.


And as far back as the Western Conference playoffs, the Lakers believed Artest wanted to trade Houston for Hollywood, that the Rockets’ decaying cornerstone of Yao Ming(notes) and Tracy McGrady(notes) turned that team into a temporary rehab assignment.


“If they couldn’t get Trevor [Ariza] cheap,” said a source with knowledge of the Lakers’ free-agent plans, “they had Ron in their back pocket.”

Change is good for a defending champion. When the rest of the NBA’s elite – Cleveland, Orlando and Boston are getting better – the champion can’t just stand pat. As an executive and a player chasing repeat titles, Detroit’s Joe Dumars says, “I like to make one significant change in that second year.”


This gives the Lakers something to incorporate, to work through, across a long training camp and regular season. This way, they aren’t tempted to just coast until the playoffs. This changes the dynamic for everyone, and give Artest this: Around him, there’s never complacency.


Bryant never campaigned for Artest over Ariza, his loyalty with the hot-shooting kid who helped him win a championship without Shaquille O’Neal(notes). In the long run, the Lakers were wiser to keep the young Ariza to transition into a post-Kobe stardom. Yet, general manager Mitch Kupchak barely blinked when Ariza’s agent, David Lee, started talking like a tough guy, parading his client on what one rival GM called “a leverage tour.”


The Lakers don’t believe he’ll leave, Lee kept barking. Surprise, surprise: Lee didn’t think the Lakers would tell him to get lost, sign Artest and leave Ariza to take the five-year, $33 million deal in Houston he could’ve had in L.A.


“I told Mitch that it was never about the money; it was about respect,” Lee told NBA.com.


Well, take your respect and pack your client’s bags for post-Yao lottery land in Houston. Respect? Yes, there are American soldiers and missionaries in faraway lands cheering for David Lee and this noble stand for the neglected and disenfranchised everywhere. It is about respect, and God knows a $33 million offer for Ariza’s eight points and four rebounds a game rates a disgraceful act.


No, this wasn’t about the money, nor his client’s needs. This was a failed power play, an embarrassment of the highest order. Looking back, Ariza will rue the day. He’s a good player, but he’ll never be a star elsewhere. He’ll just be another player on another team.

“He was way too emotional about this,” said a league executive who had talked to Lee in recent days.

Yet, you can be a star without being a star with the Lakers. When L.A. is winning championships, the role players become commodities. They get endorsements. They get television careers. Ask Rick Fox. Or Derek Fisher(notes). Ariza was an L.A. kid living a dream, 24 years old, a gifted, young talent on the defending champion, and his agent’s bluff backfired.


Now, Artest trades places with Ariza, and the Lakers get a dimension they haven’t had in a long, long time. Perhaps three or four years ago, Artest couldn’t have handled living and playing in L.A. He gives the Lakers sheer nastiness, and as an executive with one of his past teams said Thursday night, “Ronnie will show everyone that he can win. I think he’s matured, and overall, he’ll be on his best behavior. Phil [Jackson] has been through this before with Rodman. He’ll handle this.”

Ultimately, it wasn’t Jackson who made it work for two titles with Rodman in Chicago, but Jordan. The locker room is policed by the superstar, never the coach. Artest is the right player, right time for Bryant. As Kobe hits his 30s, he can’t be chasing the best player on defense every night. Now, Artest gets the job. What’s more, Kobe gets a maniac who will want to please him, get his approval. Anything is possible with Ron-Ron running roughshod in Los Angeles.


“I hope it’s chaos,” a Western Conference GM texted Thursday night.


And maybe, in some ways, that won’t be the worst thing in the world for the Lakers. Chaos? That’s letting your agent’s agenda and big mouth get your butt shipped from the Los Angeles Lakers for lottery land in Houston. Kobe Bryant had been willing to take back his whole team, but Ariza made the mistake of giving the Lakers what they always wanted, what they always believed was available to them: the combustible and crazy Ron Artest.


Kobe Bryant gets his Rodman now, and yes, this is how all hell breaks loose in Hollywood.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AokJcCNtqn9gwAsbqZng_AC8vLYF?slug=aw-artestkobe070309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[HarlemHeat37]

LOL Ron Artest..

[tdunk21]

:lmao

[jdev82]

props on the bump double H

[benefactor]

lol difference maker

[EricB]

:lol

I thought he'd ruin the lakers but they are two wins from a ring so I don't know how bad they can be...

[UnWantedTheory]

Well the Celts are one win from a ring now....
The Lakers would have been there with or without Artest.

[hsxvvd]

For anybody wanting the Lakers to lose... Artest is fun to watch.

[Obstructed_View]

:lol

I thought he'd ruin the lakers but they are two wins from a ring so I don't know how bad they can be...

He hasn't seemed to have melted down and cratered the team, but I think the Lakers would be much happier with Trevor Ariza at this point.

[TJastal]

He hasn't seemed to have melted down and cratered the team, but I think the Lakers would be much happier with Trevor Ariza at this point.

I think so too. Ariza's role was perfect and they could have really used his lateral quickness on the perimeter containing Rondo and Pierce. Artest's athleticism has been falling off a cliff since like last year and they have another 4 years to go LMAO

Gonna suck to be a laker fan in the next 5 years.

[Obstructed_View]

Gonna suck to be a laker fan in the next 5 years.

Most of them are Kobe fans, so they'll blame his terrible teammates when the Lakers lose and call him Michael Jordan when the Lakers win.

[21_Blessings]

Gonna suck to be a laker fan in the next 5 years.

Because the Spurs future shines so bright. :flag:

[Blackjack]

21_Dickings deserves a better troll, tbh.

[Dex]

8VDHPTVt3aw

[21_Blessings]

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/04/13/alg_jefferson.jpg

[Blackjack]

Yakety Sax :lol

I still contend that watching Artest shoot a 3 is as compelling as a Bonds at-bat used to be. You just never know where that ball's gonna end up.

[ffadicted]

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/04/13/alg_jefferson.jpg

RJ > Artest, as sad as it is

[Blackjack]

Put RJ highlights to Yakety Sax and we'll talk.

[Sisk]

RJ > Artest, as sad as it is

your sig
:lmao:lmao:lmao

But I still believe they're better off with Ariza

[EricB]

He hasn't seemed to have melted down and cratered the team, but I think the Lakers would be much happier with Trevor Ariza at this point.


Both ariza and the lakers f'ed up. Ariza was a great fit from LA.

From a lakers fan standpoint you have to be just punched in the gut when you think what ariza's quickness could be doin against the likes of a rajon rondo.

[Muser]

4 more years :lmao

[mavsfan1000]

:lol Lakers

[SenorSpur]

Both ariza and the lakers f'ed up. Ariza was a great fit from LA.

From a lakers fan standpoint you have to be just punched in the gut when you think what ariza's quickness could be doin against the likes of a rajon rondo.

...not to mention his length too.

[TheManFromAcme]

Both ariza and the lakers f'ed up. Ariza was a great fit from LA.

From a lakers fan standpoint you have to be just punched in the gut when you think what ariza's quickness could be doin against the likes of a rajon rondo.

Bingo!

You've got many stating that Ariza's stats just stunk up the joint in H-town but the fact of the matter was that Trevor was a better fit in L.A. with better shots facilitated for him. Not saying that Trev was an ivy league guy but he clearly had a grasp of the triangle. Ron-Ron? Not to sure.

Game 6 and 7 will either pay dividends for that deal done almost 1 year ago or turn out to be a lemon.

We shall see.

[arakkus]

I think in this series Ariza would be better fit, however, against sevral other teams such as the spurs Artest gives matchup problems because of his size. Overall, for this year at least I give the nod to Lakers for making Artest choice even if they lose...

But next year or year after I'm pretty sure there going to look back and say WTF were we thinking

[21_Blessings]

:bking

[rascal]

Lakers are on their way to another title.

[HarlemHeat37]

Artest's playoff PER is a ridiculously low 10.6 and his TS% is an absolutely disgusting 47.5%..his defense is pretty good, although overrated, but he has really had very little impact for them in the playoffs IMO..

They would have won if you replaced him with a lot of guys, especially Ariza..

[Obstructed_View]

Both ariza and the lakers f'ed up. Ariza was a great fit from LA.

From a lakers fan standpoint you have to be just punched in the gut when you think what ariza's quickness could be doin against the likes of a rajon rondo.

Yep. Of course if they win game 7 they can still call it a win deal.

[21_Blessings]

I'm not worried at all..

Ron Artest is the 2nd most overrated defensive player in the NBA, only behind Kobe..watching either of those guys guard perimeter players is going to be funny as fuck..

I don't see Artest working as a #3 or more option..he has to be in the top 2, that's just his style..it also takes shots away from Bynum, and Bynum doesn't play defense or rebound unless he's getting shots..LA already has their stars, they need role players like Ariza, and Artest can't be a role player..


:lmao

Yeah going to be funny as fuck watching the Lakers hold up that back to back :lobt:

While you're laughing at two of the best perimeter defenders of our generation the entire world be laughing at TP, Manu, RJ backcourt trying to guard anything :lol :lol :lol

:bking :bking :bking

[Mr Bones]

The first time that James Gist has Artest in front of him on the perimeter and he blows by him and throws it down people will understand why Artest to the Lakers was a good thing.

:lmao Spurstalk veterans....

[BadMotorscooter]

I saw this thread bumped by the OP after game 5. I dont see him bumping it now. Artest was a huge factor for the Lakers in game 6 and 7.(He had 15 in game 6 and 20 tonight in game 7) And now he's got a ring. Did Ariza get a ring this year? No. So I think the Lakers made the right choice. And the scary thing is...they have Gasol, Bryant, Odom, Artest, and Bynum all under contract for next year and beyond. My point is if you are gonna bump your own thread and pound your chest you were right and then it comes out differently. Then its time to man up and admit you were wrong.

[HarlemHeat37]

Artest was 7-18 from the field and 2-7 from 3s, with 4 turnovers :lol..

He had a horrible playoffs, having one of the worst PER for a starter and some of the worst efficiency for a starter in NBA playoff history..as a starter for an NBA champion, he had some of the worst offense you'll ever see, which is backed up by the numbers..

I wasn't wrong about anything, I picked the Lakers to win the title..Ariza didn't get a ring this year, but he got one last year(LOL), and he was better than Artest by a massive margin..Artest is still on the books for 4 years and is clearly on the decline..hopefully somebody in the West makes a move..

The Lakers didn't win because of Artest, they won because of their 53 rebounds and 37 free throw attempts..

[BadMotorscooter]

Youre the type of guy who doesnt concede when they are wrong. Not a problem. I wont lose sleep over it. lol

[HarlemHeat37]

I've conceded plenty of times..I thought the Jefferson trade would be good, and I admitted I was clearly wrong..

[Medvedenko]

Artest was 7-18 from the field and 2-7 from 3s, with 4 turnovers :lol..

He had a horrible playoffs, having one of the worst PER for a starter and some of the worst efficiency for a starter in NBA playoff history..as a starter for an NBA champion, he had some of the worst offense you'll ever see, which is backed up by the numbers..

I wasn't wrong about anything, I picked the Lakers to win the title..Ariza didn't get a ring this year, but he got one last year(LOL), and he was better than Artest by a massive margin..Artest is still on the books for 4 years and is clearly on the decline..hopefully somebody in the West makes a move..

The Lakers didn't win because of Artest, they won because of their 53 rebounds and 37 free throw attempts..

Artest was the Laker MVP in game 7. You're original post is even more laughable now more than ever. Yes, if you replaced him with Ariza they probably would have won as well, but in spite of his "crappy" play they won regardless. Just proved your ineptitude yet again.

[duncan228]

Artest comes up big for Lakers in Game 7 win (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-nbafinals-lakers)

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156710

[HarlemHeat37]

Artest was the Laker MVP in game 7. You're original post is even more laughable now more than ever. Yes, if you replaced him with Ariza they probably would have won as well, but in spite of his "crappy" play they won regardless. Just proved your ineptitude yet again.

Are you saying Artest wasn't "crappy" throughout the playoffs?..

My posts about Artest are in regards to him being a downgrade from Ariza, which he clearly was IMO(which is backed up by the numbers)..again, I picked the Lakers to win the title, they were going to win regardless..it doesn't change the fact that Artest was mediocre throughout, and that he's on the books for 4 more years..

LOL @ ineptitude..coming from the guy that says Kobe is better than Jordan, and that Kobe had an MVP performance in game 7..

[BadMotorscooter]

I'm with ya. jefferson was a horrible trade. I just think Artest brought enough toughness to the Lakers to get past Boston. His offense may have not be spectacular but he did a decent job on Pierce. Just like game 1...he held Pierce to 11 points going into the 4th and then Pierce got another 13 when the game was already over. Then you hear people say....Artest couldnt contain Pierce because he scored 24 on Artest. But that is way off. Artest did his job and then let off when the game was decided and Pierce got his cheap baskets. Hell, Pierce only scored in the 20's twice in the 7 games in this Finals. I would say Artest did his job. It'd be like holding Kobe to only two 20 point games in 7 games in the Finals. Ariza couldnt do that to Pierce.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'll admit I was wrong about Artest's D, I admitted that halfway through the season though..he improved a lot from last year..he still had a big part in LA's offensive decline this year though..his inability to space the floor hurt them a lot, so did his tendency to get in the way of the offense..luckily for the Lakers, they had very little competition this year..

I disagree about Ariza not being able to do it to Pierce..Ariza did a great job on Carmelo last year, a better player than Pierce, with a similar body build..

[HarlemHeat37]

I already said that Artest was a good move due to the price, I said it earlier in the thread, soon after I made this thread..there was never any doubt about that, the MLE was definitely a bargain at the time, which I already said..

My point was that he was going to be a downgrade from Ariza, which he clearly was, and it will only get worse now that he's clearly declining..

The only thing I was wrong about was his defense..he was an average defender last year..he was very good this season after a slow start, due to the weight loss, after he admitted he was struggling on D..his defense was helped by this, and it was helped by the amazing amount of handchecking he's allowed getting away with(probably the most in the NBA, as many local announcers said while playing LA this year)..

[Mr Bones]

Artest was 7-18 from the field and 2-7 from 3s, with 4 turnovers :lol..


You conveniently left out his 5 steals and 5 rebounds.

[BadMotorscooter]

I'll admit I was wrong about Artest's D, I admitted that halfway through the season though..he improved a lot from last year..he still had a big part in LA's offensive decline this year though..his inability to space the floor hurt them a lot, so did his tendency to get in the way of the offense..luckily for the Lakers, they had very little competition this year..

I disagree about Ariza not being able to do it to Pierce..Ariza did a great job on Carmelo last year, a better player than Pierce, with a similar body build..


Lakers knew what they were getting. They knew they had to take the good with the bad. They knew they needed a guy who would be willing to play rough and they were willing to give up some offense for it. they figured they had enough scorers with Bryant, Odom, Gasol, and Bynum to carry them. I think getting a guy like Artest for the MLE is a steal and thats what they paid. Let us get a guy like that instead of an overpaid primadonna like Jefferson and I'll jump through the roof. We need the next Bowen and a guy like Artest would have done us nicely. Damn it.

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't disagree, but there are a number of guys you could have replaced Artest with, and they still win the title..Artest had a good game 7 for the expectations, it was surprising to everybody, I'm just saying, I don't think it's crow-worthy unless you're ignoring the entire year..he was their 2nd best individual player in game 7 IMO, but he's also cost them many games as well..

Either way, it doesn't really matter..LA is the champion, sadly..how great it is to be a fan of the most fortunate franchise in the NBA..

[crc21209]

Artest sucked all fucking year, and stepped up BIG in Game 7...who knew? :lol

[BadMotorscooter]

Artest sucked all fucking year, and stepped up BIG in Game 7...who knew? :lol


I think the same can be said about Robert Horry a time or two. But he made it count when it mattered like Artest tonight, right?

[alchemist]

Artest defended great at the right moments and knocked down some huge 3pt shots through out the entire playoffs. You can make a case that he was their #3 guy these playoffs.

[HarlemHeat37]

Out of their 8 rotation players for the playoffs, Artest was literally #8 in efficiency, even trailing Shannon Brown..his PER was barely better than Fisher and Brown, and his WS was #8 again out of the 8 rotation players..

I'll give him credit for his D, and he was obviously a bigger factor than guys like Brown and Farmar, but Artest was clearly worse than Kobe and Gasol, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that he was worse than Odom, Bynum and Fisher..

He had a good game 6 and 7, but he clearly sucked in the playoffs, there's no argument otherwise IMO..

[Mr Bones]

I don't agree at all with the idea that Artest had a crappy playoffs-- in the first round he was primarily responsible for holding the best young scorer in the NBA to 35% FG shooting and 28.6% 3 pt shooting. That alone earned him his salary. In the deciding game against Phoenix, he went for 25 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Most importantly, Phil Jackson trusted him enough to play him more than 40 minutes in 11 playoff games.

[Mr Bones]

Compare the '10 Ron Artest to the '07 Bruce Bowen...

Points per game
Artest 11.0
Bowen 6.2

Rebounds per game
Artest 4.3
Bowen 2.7

assists per game
Artest 3.0
Bowen 1.4

Steals per game
Artest 1.4
Bowen 0.8

FG%
Artest 41.4%
Bowen 40.5%

3 pt%
Artest 35.5%
Bowen 40.5%

The idea that Artest is a low PER scrub is just ridiculous. He's a premiere defender who also contributes in multiple ways on the court. Most of all, he never backs down from a challenge.

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol Who is saying Artest is a scrub?..

The purpose of this thread was that it was good news that the Lakers picked him instead of Ariza and signed him up for 5 years..

I pointed out those stats to show how his numbers were significantly worse than Ariza's, and were overall disappointing in comparison to the expectations for Artest..Artest wasn't supposed to be Bruce Bowen, he was supposed to be a much better player than that, a combination of Bowen-like D, except with competent offense..

Also, Bowen had 3-point %s 45%, 43% and 44% for the Spurs title runs, all extremely high..he not only provided the elite D, but he didn't hurt the Spurs offense like Artest hurt the Lakers offense..

Bruce's advanced stat numbers do show that he was a poor offensive player, something every Spurs fan realizes, but he was at least able to make 3-pointers at a high level, something Artest couldn't even do..

Overall, I'll say that acquiring Artest was a success, because they won the title..my point that it was a downgrade from Ariza is still clearly true though..Ariza was #4 in PER, #2 in overall efficiency(!!!) and #4 in Win Shares for the Lakers playoff run last year..incredible numbers, all while playing very good to great defense..

[Mr Bones]

Artest's FG% for the finals (against an outstanding defensive team) was 39.8%, which was slightly below his season FG% of 41.4%. Ariza's FG% this season was 39.4%. Ariza's 3pt% for the season was 33%. Artest's was 35.5%.

[Obstructed_View]

I believe there was some contention that this is going to be a bad deal for the Lakers long-term, but for now it certainly didn't cost them, as Artest was pretty damn good when it mattered.