Ron Artest Claims He's Going To The Lakers

by Tom Lewis on Jul 2, 2009 8:12 PM EDT in News Comment 8 comments

Ken Berger reports that Ron Artest has come to an agreement to sign a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The original source for Berger's story was Artest himself, so Berger did the smart thing and tracked down another source who corroborated Ronnie's declaration.

There has been plenty of chatter locally about trying to bring Ronnie back to the Pacers to jump start the team's chances for the playoffs next season. Sure would've created an incredible buzz around the team but that point is moot now. Ronnie said he wanted to play for a championship contender and he found the ideal situation. The contract details should be interesting.

This could definitely push Trevor Ariza to Cleveland which isn't good for the Pacers. As for Ronnie, the Lakers should be ideal. Even with Yao and McGrady in Houston, Ronnie still felt he should be the lead dog which can be a blessing or a curse depending on the day of the week. Out in L.A., Ronnie knows Kobe has top billing and he'll surely respect anything Phil Jackson tells him. Seeing Ronnie busting his guts in a secondary role could be special as long as he keeps his head straight.

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I think this is a down grade for the Lakers. I think Ariza fits in much better there than Artest. He is a better shooter, younger, and there defense is very comparable (Artest’s defense isn’t what it used to be in Indy, but maybe he goes back to that if he is coming off the bench or something or if Phil tells him too).

Ariza must just be too expensive.

by dbcb on Jul 2, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling Ronnie made this work by taking less money. Just how much less will be interesting to find out.

Indy Cornrows

by Tom Lewis on Jul 2, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reportedly 3 years $18 million. Around a MLE deal, no way he agrees to that with other teams other than Cavs.

Indy Cornrows

by Tom Lewis on Jul 2, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So he'll be making

barely more than Gortat with the Mavs. That’s just crazy. Lakers continue to get great steals on players. It’s like the Godfather is making these deals for them.

by spstevenson on Jul 2, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stars and Market

Sure help. Life is easy for teams like the Lakers who can attract that first piece so easily to use to attract various pieces. I mean, stars are making Cleveland the Sexiest Place on Earth.

I remember when the Pacers had a shot at Gary Payton in 2003 and he chose to go with the Lakers despite how good that Pacers team was because he felt it was a better shot to win with Kobe and Shaq in LA than Reggie and J.O. in Indy.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. I thought losing Ariza was going to kill them, but I certainly didn’t take Artest into account. The league next year is going to be so top heavy that I’m kind of glad we’re not in position of the Nuggets, who are among the leaders in a second tier that is expected to do big things but will simply not have the talent to run with the five teams at the top.

by goodlucksaturday on Jul 3, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Artest Made No Sacrifice Here

If this deal has truly been offered, it’s as good or better than he was going to get
from anyone.

The Lakers, like all but five or six team, are over the cap. Therefore, a multi-year
deal starting at the mid-level exception amount of around $5.65 million is the most
they can offer any free agent.

The buzz is that even if Houston had tried to keep him, a one-year deal was the most
that would have been offered.

There is little competition for Artest. The teams under the cap are going in different
directions and have little interest. Of the teams over the cap, the title contenders
in the glamourous cities will always win ties.

The only mystery here is that the Lakers were willing to take their chances on a
three-year contract with this guy. This could blow up in their faces.

by fanaticus on Jul 2, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He does not fit into that offense at all.

by dbcb on Jul 2, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well I actually could see him fitting into the offense

He would be perfect as the dennis rodman type from the bulls year that provides tough as nails defense and scoops up everything off the boards. Defense and rebounding are big parts of Phil Jackson coached teams.

The question is whether or not he will understand his role and be fine with his role. In my opinion, hes always thought he was a better player than he is.

don’t know why the lakers are interested in him…. guess its a good deal

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by darealting on Jul 2, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs