Media Agrees: Lakers Won't Repeat with Artest

[Dunc n Dave]

Here's an excerpt from an ESPN article today...
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090727

2. And you can tell Rolling Stone magazine that my last words were ... "I'm on drugs!"

At only 24, Trevor Ariza has plenty of good years left in the tank.

To the Lakers' fans. If you think your boys improved by swapping Trevor Ariza (a 24-year-old who came into his own this past spring, shot 45 percent from 3-point land, came through repeatedly in the clutch, turned into the NBA's single best defensive swingman and doesn't care about his numbers) for Ron Artest (an unreliable 29-year-old head case/attention hog who slipped noticeably as a perimeter defender these past two seasons and has a knack for taking terrible shots at the worst possible times), then absolutely, you're on drugs. I don't know what else to tell you. Your team is worse. I'm sorry. And that's before we get into the whole "Is Lamar Odom coming back?" and "Do you really want to commit to an aging Artest for FIVE years?" questions.

3. Some of the stuff that happens is good for a few people to know about, as opposed to, say ... a million people.

To Artest. Here's a classic case of someone hoodwinking the American public with a 10-year pattern of bizarre behavior that eventually immunized them to all future crazy Ron Artest stories and anecdotes, such as the fact that he's wearing No. 37 to honor Michael Jackson because it's the same number of weeks that "Thriller" led the charts (um, what?), or his recent revelation that he had been pining to play for the Lakers for two solid years. Artest told reporters that he wandered into the Lakers' locker room to express that desire to a showering Kobe Bryant -- right after L.A.'s bitter Game 6 thrashing in Boston in the 2008 Finals, no less -- adding, "Yeah, I walked in the shower. I'm not a homosexual or nothing like that, but Kobe had no clothes on."

These anecdotes just bounce off people now. Artest is a benevolent crazy. Or so we think. Being around this nuttiness every day is a little different from merely hearing about the nuttiness in secondhand anecdotes. I know for a fact he routinely broke plays on offense and is still a handful behind the scenes, and the Rockets buried every 2008-09 story that would have made this patently clear. For instance, Artest routinely walked around in his underwear in public places: the Rockets' team bus, hotels, you name it. People around the team barely flinched after a while. Before Game 7 of the Lakers series -- only the biggest game of the entire season -- they finally flinched.

Here's what happened: Artest missed the first two team buses (the ones for players, coaches and team personnel) from Houston's hotel to the Staples Center and barely made the third and final bus, which was reserved for business staff, sponsors and friends of the team. These stunned people watched Artest sprint to the bus right before it left, jump on and take one of the remaining seats ... yes, wearing only his underwear. Owner Leslie Alexander happened to be sitting on the bus and witnessed the whole thing. And you wonder why the Houston Rockets didn't make any effort whatsoever to bring back Artest.

Despite what Lakers fans might think, Ron Artest is not an upgrade over Ariza.(Note: If you want to make the "Kobe and Phil can keep him in check much like MJ and Phil kept Rodman in check" argument, just remember Rodman was still a world-class defender and rebounder when Chicago acquired him. Artest is neither. If anything, his athleticism is slipping and he can't defend quick small forwards anymore. So why even risk it? Wait, why am I complaining? Thank you for screwing up your title defense, Lakers!)



Seems it's not only Spurs fans that aren't buying the "we're better with Artest instead of Ariza" bullshit you Laker fans are spinning...

It's gonna be fun watching the Lakers implode, thanks to Artest. Have fun with him!

If Odom leaves too and you're left with the choice of playing a crazy Artest 40 minutes a night or giving Powell or Walton extended minutes, you are SOL!

Face it Lakers, your GM is digging an early grave for your team, and wasting Kobe's prime by making him play with Artest every night. Kobe will be begging for a trade by Christmas!:lol

[cobbler]

The media agrees? It's one guy and Bill Simmons at that...

This is about as close to a guarantee that the Lakers will repeat as you can get.

[23LeBronJames23]

Media is probably going to be right! unless kobe is goin to play like REALLY GOOD.

[Kermit]

Eh. Bill jizzes all over the Lakers any chance he gets. Not that there is anything wrong wit that, but he's hardly media.

[DPG21920]

for Ron Artest (an unreliable 29-year-old head case/attention hog who slipped noticeably as a perimeter defender these past two seasons





If anything, his athleticism is slipping and he can't defend quick small forwards anymore.

[j-money24]

Trevor Ariza has become one of the most overrated players in the league now.

[DPG21920]

The media agrees? It's one guy and Bill Simmons at that...

This is about as close to a guarantee that the Lakers will repeat as you can get.

People use this throw away line with every single sports writer in the country, even when they have different opinions, so who is correct?

[Ghazi]

Agreed (that Ariza has become overrated)

[Culburn369]

Simmons won't, to this day even acknowledge Lee's & Howard's misses, Dunc.

[JustBlaze]

agreed.

[in2deep]

Trevor Ariza has become one of the most overrated players in the league now.

wrong. he is one of the most underrated. He was lakers X factor for many games in the PLAYOFFS.

[mytespurs]

Just 'cause media says it, doesn't mean it will be so. Didn't he write something a while back that had Spurs fans upset?

[lil_penny]

The media is usually as right as spurs dynasty

[mytespurs]

Yes, something about David Robinson shopping for himself at Victoria's Secret.


The question was not meant to engage n smacktalk responses so whatever.......:hat

[Culburn369]

Sorry myte, you're are right.

I apologize. I'll try and edit it out.

[Killakobe81]

Simmons is SOOO objective on the Lakers much as he is on the Yankees, the Colts and the NY Giants!!! He also picked the Cavs to win it all last year and the Spurs the year before ...what a genius!

[PBEEZY]

Artest told reporters that he wandered into the Lakers' locker room to express that desire to a showering Kobe Bryant -- right after L.A.'s bitter Game 6 thrashing in Boston in the 2008 Finals, no less -- adding, "Yeah, I walked in the shower. I'm not a homosexual or nothing like that, but Kobe had no clothes on."


:lmao

[Mr. Body]

Simmons is the only guy at ESPN who could get away with saying this stuff.

[rjv]

i do agree that artest is a loon. he should fit in perfectly in la la land.

[weebo]

I think the most telling part of the entire article is when Simmons mentions how the Rockets made no attempt whatsoever to bring Artest back. Wonder why?

[cobbler]

People use this throw away line with every single sports writer in the country, even when they have different opinions, so who is correct?

Never Simmons... that's for sure...

[in2deep]

Finally media got something right

[dirk4mvp]

Simmons > laker fans

[Culburn369]

Simmons is the only guy at ESPN who could get away with saying this stuff.

That's only because Artest is a stupid black man. Ipso facto expendable & neatly so. If he wasn't they'd string Simmons up by his Buster Browns.

[ginobili's bald spot]

Insecure spur fan thread.

[iggypop123]

simmons=spursdynasty

[Halberto]

This is almost as bad as one of Lakaluva's threads

[Showtime24 LAKERS]

:lmao yeah right!!

[KSeal]

This has to be by far one of the worst threads ever. Even if Artest was the perfect fit and guaranteed the Lakers a title Simmons would still say it was the worst move ever and the Lakers won't win shit. It's Simmons for goodness sake, he's one of the biggest Laker haters there are.

[DenDen]

Trevor Ariza has become one of the most overrated players in the league now.
No that title belong to Andrew Bynum

[KSeal]

No that title belong to Andrew Bynum

You're missing an S.

[Dunc n Dave]

This is almost as bad as one of Lakaluva's threads

Ah, you get the point...

If lakaluva and DrHouse can start troll threads to piss off Spurs fans, we can do the same to Laker fans.

Funny how it's all fun and games (just messin around) when the thread is about the other team, but when the shoe is on the other foot it becomes the "worst thread ever" if anyone speaks ill about YOUR team.

[Dunc n Dave]

Simmons is the only guy at ESPN who could get away with saying this stuff.

Yeah, because Disney would not allow more than one talking head to actually give an objective opinion about the Lakers, rather than kissing Kobe's ass all year long like the rest of them.

Lakers and Lebron are ESPN's meal tickets...

[SouthTexasRancher]

Trevor Ariza has become one of the most overrated players in the league now.


Yeah, tell that to Pop. Ariza was one of the main reasons Spurs management knew the Spurs had to get younger and more athletic. Ariza made guys like Finley look like he was 75 years old in that last Laker/Spurs game at AT&T. There are going to be nights you pull all of your hair out over the Artest antics. He will have Phil climbing the wall and frustrate the hell out of Kobe. There is always a lot of negativity surrounding Artest. He is a bad move when the Lakers go up against the Spurs and Celtics. Ooooppps, sorry, I almost forgot, you won't get the chance to play the Celtics in the playoffs. Not to worry though, the Spurs will once again clean up the Fakers mess.

[Mr. Body]

Last year's Lakers were one of the least impressive champions in a while. If they repeat, they'd be easily the least deserving two-timers in all of professional sports in a very, very long time.

[DrHouse]

And funny how the supposed "least-deserving" NBA champ could do what the mighty Spurs have never done in their franchise history.

Back to back titles.

The Spurs haven't even done back to back Finals appearances. If that isn't a sign weak champion I don't know what is.

[Culburn369]

And funny how the supposed "least-deserving" NBA champ could do what the mighty Spurs have never done in their franchise history.

Back to back titles.

The Spurs haven't even done back to back Finals appearances. If that isn't a sign weak champion I don't know what is.

It's true. Your categorical inability to repeat leaves the Spurs and their attendant organization & fandom on this Board, and all Boards looking mighty puny.

Jeez we've doubled & tripled.

[SouthTexasRancher]

And funny how the supposed "least-deserving" NBA champ could do what the mighty Spurs have never done in their franchise history.

Back to back titles.

The Spurs haven't even done back to back Finals appearances. If that isn't a sign weak champion I don't know what is.


Yeah and the Spurs have NEVER lost an NBA Finals series. The La La Lander's own the record for Finals losses! Sheeeesh, house, pull that empty head out of yer ass.

[Spursmania]

The media agrees? It's one guy and Bill Simmons at that...

This is about as close to a guarantee that the Lakers will repeat as you can get.

No such things as guarantees.

[KSeal]

Last year's Lakers were one of the least impressive champions in a while. If they repeat, they'd be easily the least deserving two-timers in all of professional sports in a very, very long time.

Spurfans are such hypocrites it's disgusting.

99 & 07 Spurs titles were far more less deserving then the 09 Lakers.

A lock out year. That Cavs team in the finals? :lmao How pathetic.

[Mr. Body]

Spurfans are such hypocrites it's disgusting.

99 & 07 Spurs titles were far more less deserving then the 09 Lakers.

A lock out year. That Cavs team in the finals? :lmao How pathetic.

I've said before the '09 Lakers were the weakest champion since the '99 Spurs, who I think are overrated on these boards.

Any winning Spurs team since ('03, '05, '07) would destroy last year's Lakers pretty much straightaway.

[Culburn369]

I've said before the '09 Lakers were the weakest champion since the '99 Spurs, who I think are overrated on these boards.

Any winning Spurs team since ('03, '05, '07) would destroy last year's Lakers pretty much straightaway.

Well, we were there, but, the Mavs kicked your ass so high up it was a hump & you couldn't make it.

[Mr. Body]

Culburn, if you're responding to my post, I remind you I've put you on ignore. Save your rancid breath. I don't feed trolls.

[Culburn369]

Culburn, if you're responding to my post, I remind you I've put you on ignore. Save your rancid breath. I don't feed trolls.

And that is your choice, but, no matter what Board I grace, I ignore no one.

It's my religion.

[21_Blessings]

I've said before the '09 Lakers were the weakest champion since the '99 Spurs, who I think are overrated on these boards.

Any winning Spurs team since ('03, '05, '07) would destroy last year's Lakers pretty much straightaway.

07 was the weakest champion (other than the 06 Mavs) the past 30 years bar none. Handed the Phoenix series by a convicted felon (Donaghy) and Stern. Lmao Cavs in the finals.

08 Spurs were basically the same weak willed team as 07. And they were bent over in the WCF by an injury plagued Lakers team that was missing two starters and only had a half season to find chemistry. :flag:

[Sportcamper]

What Lakers detractors don’t take into consideration…
1- Ariza had only one good year where he was not out for months with injuries…
2- Ariza & his agent decided to play hardball right out of the starting gate…
3- Phil Jackson & Kobe have both wanted Artest for several years…
4- Mitch jumped at the opportunity to pick up a tough defender who was willing to take less to be part of the Lakers organization…
Say what you want, under the circumstances signing Artest was great move…

[Culburn369]

5- Buss has 9 rings in 30 years of ownership. No professional sports team has even gotten close to that pace.

[underdawg]

07 was the weakest champion (other than the 06 Mavs) the past 30 years bar none. Handed the Phoenix series by a convicted felon (Donaghy) and Stern. Lmao Cavs in the finals.

08 Spurs were basically the same weak willed team as 07. And they were bent over in the WCF by an injury plagued Lakers team that was missing two starters and only had a half season to find chemistry. :flag:

nice speculation, but the fact remains - Boston with KG = butt whipping of the fakers. No KG in 2009 playoffs = fakers title

[DPG21920]

6- The Lakers have the biggest douche fan base with the least amount of knowledge. No professional sports team has ever gotten close to that pace.

[Culburn369]

...Mavs whip dogshit out of Spurs 4-1.

[Culburn369]

7- Lakers have 15 NBA World Titles. Spurs have 3 + the strike one.

[underdawg]

5- Buss has 9 rings in 30 years of ownership. No professional sports team has even gotten close to that pace.

4 in 16 years isn't that far off that pace

[Culburn369]

4 in 16 years isn't that far off that pace

Less than half as good.

[underdawg]

7- Lakers have 15 NBA World Titles. Spurs have 3 + the strike one.

tell me again what made the strike year unfair for the teams that didn't win it?

Was there less games in the playoffs? Did the Spurs have some advantage over other teams that year?

I guess not since the record books show it as a chamionship

[underdawg]

Less than half as good.

in half the time moron

[Culburn369]

in half the time moron

My bad, yer right.

[DPG21920]

6- The Lakers have the biggest douche fan base with the least amount of knowledge. No professional sports team has ever gotten close to that pace.


7- Lakers have 15 NBA World Titles. Spurs have 3 + the strike one.


4 in 16 years isn't that far off that pace


Less than half as good.


in half the time moron

[Culburn369]

tell me again what made the strike year unfair for the teams that didn't win it?

I'm using the [Kobe couldn't win one without Daddy] Model/complete nonsense but completely affective in trolling the countryside.

[SpuronyourFace]

The media and I rarely agree...but we do here.

[Culburn369]

"Originally Posted by underdawg http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/images/Style_Templates/nba/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3594795#post3594795)

in half the time moron"

I admitted I was wrong.

[DPG21920]

You had to.

[antgomez2009]

Trevor Ariza has become one of the most overrated players in the league now.


This dude is in denial!

Trevor Ariza overrated!

I think they just signed a declining Ron Artest
Losing a up and coming Trevor Ariza!

This was a bad move, not horrible, but bad for the team and future!!!

[Culburn369]

You had to.

True. And I did.

[Findog]

Everything hinges on Odom. Some people feel Ariza's age made him more desirable than Artest. You can argue Artest > Ariza and vice versa. You can't argue Artest > Ariza AND Odom.

[howbouthemspurs]

Wow.. that pretty much sums it up!! sorry laker fans, it looks like its the end of the line for yall.

[Culburn369]

You can't argue Artest > Ariza AND Odom.

No, you can't, but, if Odom leaves it doesn't just end there. There is an entire season to play out, a trade deadline to pick over the ner do wells, injuries to other teams to play out.

If yer waitin' for Buss & Phil to raise the white flag if Odom leaves, yer mistaken. It wouldn't end then. It would just start.

[lotr1trekkie]

New reality show concept: Sargeant Crowley Makes a House Call ON Ron Artest

[Findog]

No, you can't, but, if Odom leaves it doesn't just end there. There is an entire season to play out, a trade deadline to pick over the ner do wells, injuries to other teams to play out.

If yer waitin' for Buss & Phil to raise the white flag if Odom leaves, yer mistaken. It wouldn't end then. It would just start.

I don't think all is lost if Odom leaves. I think the Lakers would remain slight favorites to repeat, but you can't tell me Odom's defection would not significantly weaken your title defense.

[Culburn369]

I don't think all is lost if Odom leaves. I think the Lakers would remain slight favorites to repeat, but you can't tell me Odom's defection would not significantly weaken your title defense.

Fin, you don't defend it everyday (Riley's sage advice). In earnest the defense will take place next Spring. Twixt now & then many events will take place within our control & sphere of influence. This Odom event is just one. Is it a crisis? Yes. Will it define our title defense. No.

You don't mash the panic button every time something goes haywire. Nothing would ever get accomplished.

[Findog]

Fin, you don't defend it everyday (Riley's sage advice). In earnest the defense will take place next Spring. Twixt now & then many events will take place within our control & sphere of influence. This Odom event is just one. Is it a crisis? Yes. Will it define our title defense. No.

You don't mash the panic button every time something goes haywire. Nothing would ever get accomplished.

I just think it's pretty funny that they don't want to give the man 40/4. I'd be pissed too if I knew Andrew Bynum was making $14 million a year for 8/6. Of course Buss' argument is that Bynum couldn't get that deal in today's economy.

[Killakobe81]

I love this simmons says it ....so it MUST be true ...

[Culburn369]

I just think it's pretty funny that they don't want to give the man 40/4. I'd be pissed too if I knew Andrew Bynum was making $14 million a year for 8/6. Of course Buss' argument is that Bynum couldn't get that deal in today's economy.

Buss can be contrary to a detriment. But, his record is unassailable.

The negotiations are private. The noise we hear is pure conjecture. Comparing players contracts is fine fun for "us."...but, you rarely ever hear the rank & file go there. It's a "secret hand shaking" society they all belong to and they won't cut each other's throats. A union doesn't operate that way. Just the exact opposite and one knows and accepts that going in. It's a brotherhood. It's why they're at each other's throats for 48 minutes in the biggest game of the year and then seconds after it's over they're on their knees to each other cryin' & carrying on.

[mytespurs]

While the media aka Bill Simmons may not think this, the oddsmakers in Vegas still like the Lakers chances to repeat even if they lose Odom!

There was an article in today's LA Times that posted the odds of team's winning the titles. The Lakers were first, of course, followed by the Celtics, Cavs...the Spurs were mentioned too....7-2 odds or something to that effect.

[Dunc n Dave]

While the media aka Bill Simmons may not think this, the oddsmakers in Vegas still like the Lakers chances to repeat even if they lose Odom!

There was an article in today's LA Times that posted the odds of team's winning the titles. The Lakers were first, of course, followed by the Celtics, Cavs...the Spurs were mentioned too....7-2 odds or something to that effect.

Really? How did the Vegas odds specify it?
Did they actually say

Lakers WITH Odom: 2-1
Lakers WITHOUT Odom: 5-2

I DOUBT it... They are basing their odds on the teams as they stand, and until the ink is dry, Odom is still technically a Laker in Vegas's eyes.

Otherwise Vegas would have to make odds on Miami with Odom and Boozer, and Miami without them, Dallas with and without Drew Gooden, etc.

Point being: I'll bet those Vegas odds are based on Odom being WITH the Lakers next year...

[mytespurs]

Really? How did the Vegas odds specify it?
Did they actually say

Lakers WITH Odom: 2-1
Lakers WITHOUT Odom: 5-2

I DOUBT it... They are basing their odds on the teams as they stand, and until the ink is dry, Odom is still technically a Laker in Vegas's eyes.

Otherwise Vegas would have to make odds on Miami with Odom and Boozer, and Miami without them, Dallas with and without Drew Gooden, etc.

Point being: I'll bet those Vegas odds are based on Odom being WITH the Lakers next year...

I'm not sure how they came up with those odds. I didn't save the sports section and I can't access the sports page from where I am. Try latimes.com/sports section.

I thought it was interesting the timing of the column with rumors swirling about Lamar's future with the Lakers.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

The most important thing in the article is the fact that Artest walked into the showers and Kobe had no clothes on.

[Sportcamper]

I am almost hoping that the Lakers pass on Odom…Morrison & Sun Yue are ready for more playing time…Morrison is tearing up the summer league…The Lakers are just so deep & so good, they need to let some younger race horses out of the barn….

[Culburn369]

The most important thing in the article is the fact that Artest walked into the showers and Kobe had no clothes on.

That just because like most Spurs Fandom on this Board you're homophobic.

[mytespurs]

Less than half as good.

But the fact that they were able to win 4 within 10 years is a nice accomplishment since very few teams win one much less multiple. True, ti doesn't compare what the Lakers have achieved but in the end it's still an achievement and and that's all that should matter. :)

[Dunc n Dave]

I am almost hoping that the Lakers pass on Odom…Morrison & Sun Yue are ready for more playing time…Morrison is tearing up the summer league…The Lakers are just so deep & so good, they need to let some younger race horses out of the barn….

Let me guess? Morrison scored 18 a game and the guy he guarded scored 24 a game, right?

More playing time for Morrison=more losses for the Lakers. Guy plays with a 25 letter alphabet... no "D" in his vocabulary...

[cobbler]

The most important thing in the article is the fact that Artest walked into the showers and Kobe had no clothes on.

To a closet boy. Most people though have no need to mention it again.

[Culburn369]

To a closet boy. Most people though have no need to mention it again.

Cept Dunc, he just pole vaults around with a shit eating grin on his mug.

[Dunc n Dave]

Cept Dunc, he just pole vaults around with a shit eating grin on his mug.

Oh Cul, sugarbritches. Just tell the truth... You know you wish it was you who walked in on Kobe naked in the shower. You might need Kobe to help you up off those 56+ year old knees after you finish him off though.:toast

[Culburn369]

Oh Cul, sugarbritches. Just tell the truth... You know you wish it was you who walked in on Kobe naked in the shower. You might need Kobe to help you up off those 56+ year old knees after you finish him off though.:toast

Of course Dunc always has to go too far. He has the restraint of like a 2-year-old.

Grow up.

[Dunc n Dave]

Of course Dunc always has to go too far. He has the restraint of like a 2-year-old.

Grow up.

Aw, Cully! No hard feelings, my man! Just keepin our relationship solid, that's all... :p:

[YellowFever]

Really? How did the Vegas odds specify it?
Did they actually say

Lakers WITH Odom: 2-1
Lakers WITHOUT Odom: 5-2

I DOUBT it... They are basing their odds on the teams as they stand, and until the ink is dry, Odom is still technically a Laker in Vegas's eyes.

Otherwise Vegas would have to make odds on Miami with Odom and Boozer, and Miami without them, Dallas with and without Drew Gooden, etc.

Point being: I'll bet those Vegas odds are based on Odom being WITH the Lakers next year...


A Vegas odds maker did an interview yesterday in one of the talking head shows and their thinking is that Odom, if he leaves LA won't affect the Lakers chance, but Miami's chance will go from something like 25 to 1 to 20 to 1.

I have no idea how they come up with these numbers......but in their defense, they are usually more right than the "media" so take it with a grain of salt.

[lefty]

Trevor Ariza has become one of the most overrated players in the league now.
Is that what you were thinking when he made big plays for L.A during last playoffs

[lefty]

That just because like most Spurs Fandom on this Board you're homophobic.
Lakerphobic, homophopic, whats the difference

[Culburn369]

Lakerphobic, homophopic, whats the difference

Nothing to you.