Rifleman shooting coach or Ron-Ron babysitter?

[Allanon]

And where did that talent take his former teams Indiana, Sacramento, and just last year, in Houston? Nowhere fast.

Chicago, Indiana, Sacramento and Houston all lacked the same thing. No number 1 player. Ron's too crazy to be a #1 guy but put him as a positional defender and low post player and you've got an elite talent.

If he had the mental makeup of an MJ, LeBron, Kobe or Tim Duncan, I have no doubt he'd be a Superstar in this league...but unfortunately, he doesn't.

Ron's talent level is on par with the best players in the game but his mental capacity drags him down to the 2nd/3rd tier. He needs a Kobe, Shaq, LeBron, Wade, Duncan, <insert superstar> type player to bring the best out of him.

[djohn2oo8]

Ron is unpredictable, so expect alot of wild shots

[KSeal]

Trevor was probably my favorite Laker last year, sucks he isn't on the team anymore but at the same time I'm happy the Lakers were able to get a player of Ron's talent to take his place. Crazy Ron stepping in is a million times better then Walton and Morrison handling the SF duties, and I was one that thought the Lakers were only going to keep one of Trevor and Lamar so to have Lamar and Ron is awesome even if Ron is a step down from Ariza. And I think the jury is still very much out on whether that's true or not.

[DPG21920]

There is no jury, talent wise Ron is a step up. The only thing the Lakers lose for sure with the Ariza for Artest swap is defense of perimeter players (smaller/quicker). The only thing that is in question is "fit". Ariza was a perfect fit for the role. Will Ron fill the same role or will it throw chemistry off? I would bet it turns out well.

[T2150]

I thought they'd hired Chuck Person.

They did.

[Culburn369]

They did.

I know, I finally read the entire article

[cobbler]

And where did that talent take his former teams Indiana, Sacramento, and just last year, in Houston? Nowhere fast.

For Houston, to the 7th game against the eventual champs and the 2nd round for the first time in ages.

[Culburn369]

For Houston, to the 7th game against the eventual champs and the 2nd round for the first time in ages.

& thank Christ, no further.

eh?

[Double-Up]

I'm liking the Artest pick up more and more each day.

Minus is odd behaviour in Chicago and Indiana, he has pretty much been a solid citizen/player in Sacramento and Houston. He fell in line with the McGrady/Ming set up and did what he was told (very well, I might add), and he will fall in line with the Kobe/Gasol setup.

Even better, Artest is a superior defender than Ariza. More importantly, Artest can defend stronger small forwards in the post, such as Carmelo Anthony (who gave the Lakers fits in the WCF this year).

The Lakers biggest potential weakness was defending the 3 spot. (think Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony, etc.) Artest negates that right from the start.

Agreed, Artest can't guard quick players anymore but he can defend the SF spot pretty well.

[DaDakota]

Ron will sure as crap screw up that team.

DD

[Culburn369]

Ron will sure as crap screw up that team.

DD

He did pretty good with you guys....until he fell in love with Bryant.

[Indazone]

Ron is a blackhole on offense.

Ball go into Ron Ron and Ball disappears forever.

[Culburn369]

Ron is a blackhole on offense.

Ball go into Ron Ron and Ball disappears forever.

You guys said nary a word about it until he signed in Los Angeles. You were too busy advancing in the playoffs & clawing over each other to exclaim (excitedly): "We're a much better team without McGrady!"