Laker fans, lets be honest

[djohn2oo8]

Laker haters, lets be honest. Artest is a better basketball player than Trevor Ariza.

We'll see when Artest takes away 60% of kobe's shots

[Medvedenko]

Lol: Artest taking Kobe's shots

[BeeGee]

You know you want Ariza back.

Ariza was awesome, but anybody that knows basketball knows Artest is an upgrade over Trevor. Put Artest in Ariza's position and he's unleashed.

- Artest can defend 4 positions with no problem.
- Artest won't have to initiate offense in LA, and will be able to focus on what he does best: Get in ya ass on defense. He'll be unleashed and be able to be the lockdown defender he's always been.
- Artest brings toughness, and a physical edge. He's a player that many guys don't wanna play against.

So try and downplay this if you want to. This guy for the MLE is an absolute bank heist, so I understand the jealousy and the need to downplay it. Doesn't matter though. This gives us more money to sign Odom, and I couldn't have dreamed it up any better. Ariza was awesome, but I'd take Ron Artest over him every single time, be serious.

The Lakers went from:

Odom OR Ariza (make a choice)

To:

Artest AND Odom (most likely)

Basically, we win and we win BIG, man. It's a dream in 2009 that a player of Artest's caliber at on 29 years old, would take this much of a paycut to come to LA. So I understand the jealousy and all this wordplay about Ariza. The Lakers went from Odom or Ariza to Odom and Artest. I'd be jealous as too if I weren't a Laker fan.

Life is good.

[djohn2oo8]

Ariza was awesome, but anybody that knows basketball knows Artest is an upgrade over Trevor. Put Artest in Ariza's position and he's unleashed.

- Artest can defend 4 positions with no problem.
- Artest won't have to initiate offense in LA, and will be able to focus on what he does best: Get in ya ass on defense. He'll be unleashed and be able to be the lockdown defender he's always been.
- Artest brings toughness, and a physical edge. He's a player that many guys don't wanna play against.

First of all, he IS NOT the defender he used to be b/c he has lost a step or two, Brandon Roy torched Artest when he tried to guard him...Second, NO ONE can control what Ron is gonna do within the offense, usually he dribbles the ball down to about 2 or 3 seconds on the shot clock. He also takes alot of ill advised shots. 3rd, Lakers went from being athletic, to not being as athletic, especially if Odom doesn't resign. Yes Artest is a of a player, but just like medicine, too much Artest will have side effects:

-Ron dribbles too much, which you NEVER wanna see
- Ron tries to be the hero and go for a last second shot
- Lost a step on the defensive side
- Can severley disrupt the offensive flow no matter how good the team is

Wish Ron all the best, but don't expect him to be the Artest in his prime

[Allanon]

Ariza was the Muthaf*ckin' Man! His crazy ass dunks will be missed.

But he's a Rocket now and is no longer my 2nd favorite Laker.

[BeeGee]

Houston never got to see Artest's true ability on defense because he was too busy trying to make up for McGrady's absence on offense.

The triangle is a system...once Ron learns it, he'll be an asset just like anybody else. Ron won't be a problem at all. The Lakers still maintain plenty of athleticism, so that's not a worry either. If anything, the knock on us is we were too athletic and finesse and not tough enough. Ron isn't exactly unathletic and of course he brings an abundance of toughness - upgrade.

- He won't dribble too much in the triangle.
- We have a superstar, so Ron won't feel like he has to be that guy - no sweat.
- He may have lost a little, but he still has more than most good defenders. He's still a great defender and now he'll be relieved of the burden of having to initiate offense for an offensively-anemic Rockets team who's 2 stars stay injured.
- He won't disrupt the triangle...It'll take him some time to become effecient, but the cat is a smart player and will eventually be an asset to the offense. His main focus will be on the defensive end. Offensively, he's gonna get plenty of open looks and the dude shot 40% from 3 point range (153-383) last year, and 38% the year before that.

This won't be the Artest that Houston fans saw. We get a lockdown defender that will be able to focus most of his energy on defense. But we also get a guy that shot the 3 more efficiently than every big-time forward not named Danny Granger or Kevin Durant. So he'll spot up a lot on offense, get good looks, and not a lot of'em down. Then he'll be a monster on defense. I'll take that every time.

[Lars]

So if the Lakers have less success, Lakers eat crow correct?

[The Franchise]

Houston never got to see Artest's true ability on defense because he was too busy trying to make up for McGrady's absence on offense.

The triangle is a system...once Ron learns it, he'll be an asset just like anybody else. Ron won't be a problem at all. The Lakers still maintain plenty of athleticism, so that's not a worry either. If anything, the knock on us is we were too athletic and finesse and not tough enough. Ron isn't exactly unathletic and of course he brings an abundance of toughness - upgrade.

- He won't dribble too much in the triangle.
- We have a superstar, so Ron won't feel like he has to be that guy - no sweat.
- He may have lost a little, but he still has more than most good defenders. He's still a great defender and now he'll be relieved of the burden of having to initiate offense for an offensively-anemic Rockets team who's 2 stars stay injured.
- He won't disrupt the triangle...It'll take him some time to become effecient, but the cat is a smart player and will eventually be an asset to the offense. His main focus will be on the defensive end. Offensively, he's gonna get plenty of open looks and the dude shot 40% from 3 point range (153-383) last year, and 38% the year before that.

This won't be the Artest that Houston fans saw. We get a lockdown defender that will be able to focus most of his energy on defense. But we also get a guy that shot the 3 more efficiently than every big-time forward not named Danny Granger or Kevin Durant. So he'll spot up a lot on offense, get good looks, and not a lot of'em down. Then he'll be a monster on defense. I'll take that every time.

[DrHouse]

The situation in Houston was FAR different from what Ron will face in LA. For starters he will almost never have to initiate the offense all by himself. I predict Phil is going to ask him to focus on one thing and one thing only, his defense. From what I remember Ron Artest LOVES TO PLAY DEFENSE. I predict we will see a much stronger effort on the defensive end from Ron Ron.

Offensively Ron is going to be taking Ariza's spot. This means he'll get a ton of wide open looks and almost no double coverage ever. If his offensive efficiency doesn't shoot through the roof I'll be damn surprised because it has for Gasol, Odom, and all the other players who have come to LA in the last 2 seasons.

[TheNextGen]

Just because they got a better deal in Artest doesnt mean they didnt like Ariza.

[DeadlyDynasty]

You know you want Ariza back.

I loved Ariza and wish he could've stayed (so does he)...with that being said, his agent ed it up and we got a 29 y/o bulldog to replace him. LA came out winners on this one. Good luck to Trevor though, I feel for him b/c his agent is a moron

[BlackBellamy]

I loved Ariza and wish he could've stayed (so does he)...with that being said, his agent ed it up and we got a 29 y/o bulldog to replace him. LA came out winners on this one. Good luck to Trevor though, I feel for him b/c his agent is a moron

It's not the worst up on his (or his agent's) part. I think he might be able to increase his future earning potential by having a breakout year on this Rockets team rather than the Lakes (more plays drawn specifically for him, more minutes most likely and a chance to break out of a role player typecast). Sure, prolly no ring this year, but he has one already and that's more than can be said for quite a few HOF greats, right? So play hard now, make pay later.

[DeadlyDynasty]

It's not the worst up on his (or his agent's) part. I think he might be able to increase his future earning potential by having a breakout year on this Rockets team rather than the Lakes (more plays drawn specifically for him, more minutes most likely and a chance to break out of a role player typecast). Sure, prolly no ring this year, but he has one already and that's more than can be said for quite a few HOF greats, right? So play hard now, make pay later.

That's a valid argument, but it's just hard to see Ariza as a #1 or #2. He's not exactly a gifted dribbler and he can't really create his own shot. His offense is predicated on what the "other" players do. Don't get me wrong, I think his shot will only get better, and his defense (which is already damn good), has the potential to land him on the all NBA-defensive first team some day. With that being said, he still does not have the skill set to be a main threat on a team. He fit the Lakers system perfectly, and had he ended up with the Cavs he would have a similarly effective role. In Houston he'll have to carry a large part of the offensive burden, and I just dont think he's equipt for that.

[BlackBellamy]

That's a valid argument, but it's just hard to see Ariza as a #1 or #2. He's not exactly a gifted dribbler and he can't really create his own shot. His offense is predicated on what the "other" players do. Don't get me wrong, I think his shot will only get better, and his defense (which is already damn good), has the potential to land him on the all NBA-defensive first team some day. With that being said, he still does not have the skill set to be a main threat on a team. He fit the Lakers system perfectly, and had he ended up with the Cavs he would have a similarly effective role. In Houston he'll have to carry a large part of the offensive burden, and I just dont think he's equipt for that.

I, obviously, don't get to watch as many Lakers games as you in a season. But from what I saw, Ariza seemed to be able to slash and make his own shot so long as it was set closer to the lane rather than the arc. It seemed that we got to see his shot evolve to another level last year, I like the guy's chances of remaining relevant. On this wounded Rockets squad, he might not have much of a choice but to be a one, two or three go-to guy. I think in just giving him more options it will create a more rounded player in Ariza, rather than giving him the defined roles the Lakers did on an already deep team. Either way we seem to be waxing hypothetical, so only one way to find out, right?... Spurs sign Sheed or Dyess now, we move the season opener (S.A. & L.A., fingers crossed) up to August, start summer league tomorrow and then it's time to get it on marfuggers!

[Culburn369]

So if the Lakers have less success, Lakers eat crow correct?

When has it been any other way?

[DeadlyDynasty]

I, obviously, don't get to watch as many Lakers games as you in a season. But from what I saw, Ariza seemed to be able to slash and make his own shot so long as it was set closer to the lane rather than the arc. It seemed that we got to see his shot evolve to another level last year, I like the guy's chances of remaining relevant. On this wounded Rockets squad, he might not have much of a choice but to be a one, two or three go-to guy. I think in just giving him more options it will create a more rounded player in Ariza, rather than giving him the defined roles the Lakers did on an already deep team. Either way we seem to be waxing hypothetical, so only one way to find out, right?... Spurs sign Sheed or Dyess now, we move the season opener (S.A. & L.A., fingers crossed) up to August, start summer league tomorrow and then it's time to get it on marfuggers!

Amen brotha

Time to keep those Spurs es in their place

[BlackBellamy]

Amen brotha

Time to keep those Spurs es in their place

Sheeeit bruh, you've been reading too many Dr. House posts.

I do agree we'll learn our place this year, first place or course.

[DenDen]

Fisher did kinda own scola

That's was a vagina move, it's like kicking someone in the nuts when they're not expecting it.

[Lars]

This won't be the Artest that Houston fans saw. We get a lockdown defender that will be able to focus most of his energy on defense. But we also get a guy that shot the 3 more efficiently than every big-time forward not named Danny Granger or Kevin Durant. So he'll spot up a lot on offense, get good looks, and not a lot of'em down. Then he'll be a monster on defense. I'll take that every time.

I am sorry to be cliche but this is so much fail. You realize you basically just described everything Ariza did for your team right. Artest might give you those things but its re ed to think he isnt also going to take stupid shots and go one on five.

[carrao45]

That's was a vagina move, it's like kicking someone in the nuts when they're not expecting it.

I still thought it was funny. Scola went down fast

[DJB]

Lakers imploding in t-minus 200 days due to Ron Artest

[kobyz]

probably the lakers never make Ariza an offer they just choose Artest for the MLE over Ariza for the same money, every normal team will choose Artesr over Ariza. Artesr is a lot better basketball player, great move by the Lakers.

[djohn2oo8]

Well, we know this for sure: Kobe won't hit Artest on the head like he did Gasol, or will he???

[TheNextGen]

Well, we know this for sure: Kobe won't hit Artest on the head like he did Gasol, or will he???

If he can elbow him in the throat, why not hit him in the head?

[VivaPopovich]

i think most of them are rejuicing over landing artest, which they really shouldnt be

he's a better SF than ariza but thats not the issue. ariza was the best fit for the lakers. phil jackson will contain artest like he did with rodman but for what.. 1 season? whats suppose to happen after that?

artest will be an issue for years to come