What Kobe Wants, Kobe Gets. Well, At Least Most Of The Time

Well the off-season proved to be an upheaval for a number of teams around the NBA . And that’s to be expected , as many teams felt that they had a rather disappointing season. For the Los Angeles Lakers who came off winning their 15th NBA title, it was something of a well executed season, all-round.

Kobe Bryant the Finals' MVP seen here in Manila , Philippines. While there , the player will be conducting several Nike sponsored youth basketball coaching clinics. The player will also be traveling to Tapei , China. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Richard Chao ............................

And for the team’s All Star guard Kobe Bryant , it was a for a prophecy fulfilled. Those who cast doubt as to whether or not he could win a title without Shaquille O’Neal. Finally saw that Bryant could do it without him, given a good complement players to surround the player with the facets needed.

Lakers' first round pick Chinemelu Elonu (left) and the Clippers' Marcellus Kemp battle for a loose ball during an NBA Summer League Game played in Las Vegas , Nevada. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Laura Rausch ............................

Well for the Lakers this off-season was no different with the departure of one their heroes in the postseason, in Trevor Ariza. The player seeking a commmitment from the team in terms of a long term contract paying him considerably more money. It was felt by the player that would be the Lakers’ form of showing loyalty to him for his contributions to the team’s success. Alas, it wasn’t to be as they were not prepared to acquiesce to his demands. He eventually signed as a free-agent with the Houston Rockets. And much to everyone’s surprise moving in the opposite direction from the Rockets was Ron Artest, who was signed by the Lakers.

Artest has let it be known that he has come to the Lakers to contribute further, to the team’s success and fulfill his ambition of winning an NBA title. Well that’s what he’s got to say at this juncture . But I guess we can believe him. For Bryant , he’s welcomed the player with open arms and admits that he’d rather have Artest as a teammate , rather than having to play against him on a regular basis within the Western Conference.

Free-agency and the problems that it can sometimes create. Well for the general manager of the teams, they’ve got to be financially prudent and at the same look to improve the team’s roster in the places necessary. At times it may well mean having to lose a valuable asset. But then it can mean having to acquire a player without having to overpay for that talent. However, when it comes to a situation that’s now fomenting with regard to Odom and his desire to be paid commensurate to what he believe is his perceived value. It in effect puts the Lakers and their GM Mitch Kupchak in something of a dilemma. Bryant is optimistic that the player will remain with the team. Odom is an unrestricted free-agent.

Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak who has worked closely in unison with the team's coach Phil Jackson in assembling the Lakers championship winning team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elisio Gonzalez .........................

Overtures have been made towards the player by the Miami Heat . And Dwyane Wade of the Heat has made it known that it his desire to see Odom become a Miami Heat player. It could very well become a tug of war for the player’s services. But much of that’ll be predicated on the deisres of both teams. The Heat for their part are also pursuing Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz . And it remains their number one priority at present. But that’s not to say that their interest in Odom is on the decline.

The perceived view is that Odom while a very good player. He remains an enigma for all who’ve seen him play. At his very best he’s player who can give you 20pts , 10reb’s on regular basis, were it his desire to do so. And it plainly comes down to <strong desire and his willingness to contribute to a team consistently. And therein lies the enigma with regard to Lamar Odom. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they might not defer to Bryant when it comes to a final decision on the issue. Although they’ll probably listen to any input on the matter from the player. Coach Phil Jackson for his part has kept his cards close to his chest. And for the Lakers’ fans it’s not really hard to see where their loyalties lie on this very issue. They’re probably 70-30 in favor of seeing Odom leave. He was viewed as a valid member of a championship winning team. But his time has come , and it’s viewed that he ought to be bid , a hearty farewell and thanks for memories. If nothing it’s the least that the fans could do for the player.

Kobe Bryant (left) and teammate Lamar Odom (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Odom will remain a Laker for the forseeable future. As it'd appear that contract negotiations have stalled. The player is also said a desired target of the Miami Heat. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elvis Takahida ...................

Possibly at the end of it all the player’ll remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not he’d be prepared to play for the team at a reduced salary remains to be seen. The mid-level salary cap would be the preferable option for the team. And at between $4.5m-$6m it wouldn’t appear to be an excessive amount to be playing a veteran such as Odom. Though the player himself. may well feel that he could be in line for a better offer from the Miami Heat. And it’s rumored that he’s looking for a long term contract of between 4 and 5 years paying $30-$35m at between $6-$7m per year .

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. It is Wade's desire to see the Heat reacquire the player. But it'd appear that the team's pursuance of Carlos Boozer is of the utmost priority for the franchise. That's not to suggest that their interest in Odom has waned . picture appears courtesy of weblogs.com @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .................

The business side of any sport is littered with decisions that’ve been to the detriment of a team , or what ultimately proves to be of benefit to them. As to the decision to be made by the Lakers’ hierarchy. They know that for all sense and purpose this just won’t be about positives far outweighing the negatives with regard to Lamar Odom. But more in line with what’s best for the team from a financial and competitive aspect.

What’s In A Number? Someone Ask Tracy McGrady, Please?

So the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady will be looking to wear the #3 jersey when the new season opens up for his team . With the newly signed Trevor Ariza seemingly in to make an easy transition after the departure of Ron Artest westward bound to the Los Angeles Lakers . One would surmise that the Rockets will be looking towards legitimacy as a contender within the Western Conference.

Chase Budinger (10) of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket in an NBA Summer League game played against the Minnesota T'wolves at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nv,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett W. Ellwood ............

However , with the impending loss of All-Star center Yao Ming quite possibly for a season , if not an abrupt end to an already tangible career within the NBA. It has to be said that the future as to the Rockets’ fortunes may well rest squarely on the shoulders of McGrady. In some circles Tracy McGrady has been viewed as the quintessential player. In others he’s viewed as a players who’s never quite lived up to the early promise shown. Be it either through a lack of maturity on his part. Or the mere fact he’s merely not a team player and who’s merely about the stats alone.

Rockets' guard Tracy McGrady . picture appears courtesy of globesports.com/ Everett Cooper .................

One thing is most definitely certain is that this year will either be a make or break year for both McGrady and the Houston Rockets. After last year’s disappointment of the postseason ,wherein the loss to the Lakers in the conference semi-finals 4-3 brought about an abrupt end to their postseason ambitions in the NBA. Another season of disappointment and GM Dary Morey and the team’s coach Rick Adelman will have to take good , long and hard look at the team’s roster.

Jermaine Taylor of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw against the T'wolves in an NBA Summer League Game played at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas , Nv,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/ getty images/ Garrett W Ellwood .........

The team’s draft was deemed to be a success. And with the additions of Chase Budinger , Sergio Lull and Jermaine Taylor as rookies on the roster. These players ought to complement a core group of talented players that showed some promise initially in the playoffs. And in particular the play and contribution made by third year point guard Aaron Brooks. The player , himself , showed a great deal of maturity and leadership throughout much of the playoffs. And were it not for the unevenness of the team’s play and then the loss of Yao Ming in conference semi-finals to the Lakers. We may well never have known how the might’ve ended up faring . But the games aren’t about suppositions , as it’s about the events that take place and the the facts presented that determine the results at the end of the day.

As to McGrady and his wish to wear the #3 jersey in order give an identity to a man-made crisis the Darfur region of Sudan. I commend the player on his altruism and philanthropical efforts. At the end of the day the plight of the refugees means nothing to the most ardent of NBA fans. As their only concern is what takes place on the basketball court. And state of the team that they suppport. Whilst this is a magnanimous and magnificent gesture on the part of the player. Unless his game excels on the court and reaches the levels that we know it is capable of reaching. But above all he shows that he can not only become the vocal and physical leader of this Houston Rockets’ team. Then all of the these gestures will count for nothing in the eyes of the fans. No matter how stoic and virtuous his intentions might be.

Trevor Ariza seated alongside Rokckets' GM Daryl Morey having just been acquired by the Rockets from the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Bill Baptist ............

If McGrady really seeks a platform to make his voice heard and to further publicize his efforts . Then what better way than to raise the level of his play and lead this Rockets’ team with some authority in the absence of his teammate Yao Ming. Afterall over the years we’ve questioned his leadership and maturity. But never his undoubted skills. If its his intention to prove to us all that he has what it takes. Then let now be the time for him to step up to the plate once and for all. And then at the same time just forget about a numbered jersey and what it apparently signifies.

McGrady amongst the midst of a man-made dissaster of immeasurable proportions in the Darfur region of Sudan.

McGrady amongst starving refugees at a camp in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. picture appears courtesy of afp/oneblackplanet/ Michael Olagwenyuwu .................

At the end of the day that number may well mean something to him. But to the mere fan in attendance it mightn’t signify nothing to them at all. The numbers on a jersey is nothing compared to figure on a piece of legal tender ! And that is afterall the real donation that we as fans contribut to a a worthwhile and just cause !

As to McGrady let’s hope that he too can prove that the lessons he’s now said to be learning will serve him in good stead as far as his professional career goes. And also in his philanthropic endeavors.

Yahoosports.com :

McGrady switching jersey numbers

HOUSTON-(AP) Houston Rockets’ star Tracy McGrady will swap his Number 1 uniform number for No. 3.

McGrady’s old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza , the Lakers’ forward who agreed to a multi yeard deal with Houston on July 2.

McGrady wore No.3 in high school . He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his 2007 summer visits to refugee camps in the region. The documentary, #3 Points*, is set for release this fall. The title refers to goals of peace, protection and punishment.

McGrady has donated $75,000 to a humanitarian project in Darfur. He had microfracture surgery on his left knee in late February. Doctors say he needs up to 12 months to recover.

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LeBron Not Leaving Cleveland In 2010?

LeBron James has worked hard this offseason trying to recruit players to come to the Cavaliers. What he’s using to attempt to lure them in? Reportedly, he has told the likes of Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza that he’ll be in Cleveland after the 2009-10 season. ESPN.com:

The Cleveland Cavaliers got some bad news followed by some potentially terrific news on Sunday. In a last-ditch effort to recruit Trevor Ariza away from the Houston Rockets, LeBron James told Ariza he would remain with the Cavaliers past 2010, according to a person close to Ariza.

Even that wasn’t enough to get Ariza, who verbally committed to join the Rockets last Thursday, to change his mind and go to Cleveland.

But the Cavaliers will gladly settle for the consolation prize; if indeed James’ statement to Ariza was more than an empty sales pitch.

“Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season,” the source said. “And LeBron said, ‘I’ll be there. Of course, I’ll be there.’”

James could not be reached for comment on Monday.

James’ conversation with Ariza was part of the Cavaliers’ attempt to make the free agent swingman the next Hedo Turkoglu, who backed out of his promise last week to join Portland and instead accepted a deal with Toronto.

Cavs general manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown flew to Los Angeles and met with Ariza on Sunday, according to several sources with knowledge of the situation.

Ariza, who had accepted a five-year, $33.5 million offer from the Rockets last Thursday, also received telephone calls from James and Shaquille O’Neal. When James told Ariza he’d be a Cavalier past next season, Ariza was less than convinced.

“He thought it was just a recruiting tool,” the source said. “LeBron definitely said it, but until he signs the contract it doesn’t mean much.”

The Cavaliers did not ask James or O’Neal to call Ariza, but as he did with Ron Artest, James took it upon himself to reach out. James’ future in Cleveland has been an issue with potential signees.

Artest, whom the Cavaliers had interest in before he agreed to terms with the Lakers, was concerned about signing a multiyear deal with Cleveland because of James’ ability to leave in 2010. And even O’Neal, who was traded to the Cavs less than two weeks ago, tried to find out about James’ long-term plans with the club during trade talks.

Even so, according to sources, a flattered Ariza strongly considered reneging on his agreement with the Rockets and heading for Cleveland, which made him the same offer as Houston last week. In the end, however, he decided to keep his word to the Rockets.

“He’s a very loyal person,” the source said. “[Rockets coach] Rick Adelman had lunch with him for three straight days last week and that meant a lot to him.”

Ariza presumably will sign with the Rockets on Wednesday, the first day free agents are allowed to sign contracts. But until then, other teams can recruit him, and he can change his mind.

Though Ferry and Brown left Los Angeles Sunday night thinking their mission had failed, the Cavaliers spoke with Ariza’s representatives one last time Monday afternoon, only to be told that he still planned to be a Rocket.

Sources say several factors led to Ariza’s decision. First, his toddler son lives in Los Angeles with his mother and Ariza liked that Houston was a much shorter flight than Cleveland. Second, Adelman promised him the Rockets would feature him offensively while the Cavaliers refused to guarantee him a starting job. Instead, the Cavs told him he’d be given a legitimate chance to compete for the spot against last year’s starter, Delonte West.

“He wanted to be sure he’d start,” the source said. “That was a big hang-up.”

While an about-face is still possible, the Cavaliers, who met with Channing Frye in Cleveland on Monday, aren’t holding their breath.

Please try and contain your laughter. LeBron, who has sent signals ever since his arrival in Cleveland that he won’t be staying for long, is telling this to potential teammates to lure them to Cleveland, and nothing more. Just because he says it doesn’t mean it is actually going to happen.

LeBron has always come off as a guy who deeply cares about his money — and his image — and the best place to make the most money is likely elsewhere than Cleveland. While he has been able to market himself just fine in Cleveland — much like Jordan did in Chicago — the prospect of playing in New York may be too good to pass up. The Knicks — and the Nets for that matter — are saving up all their money in order to sign LeBron next summer. Don’t think LeBron isn’t noticing.

Look, there’s a reason LeBron frequently wears a Yankees cap around the city. He wore it to the Yankees-Indians playoff game, in Cleveland, two years ago. More importantly, he wore it the day after the Cavs lost to the Magic. His dreams and ambitions appear to be elsewhere.

Think about it from a basketball perspective: the Cavaliers had the best record in the league last year, arguably the deepest bench, and arguably the best player — and they still couldn’t reach the NBA Finals. Thoughts must be going through LeBron’s head that is best chance to win is somewhere other than Cleveland. While the Cavs may think that putting together the best supporting cast around LeBron is what will keep him in his home state, it could be much more complicated.

First off, he is a very good friend of rapper Jay-Z, who is part owner of the Nets. Playing in New Jersey probably isn’t LeBron’s dream, but the team most likely will be moving to Brooklyn in the next few years. Being able to play with his good friend and have even more marketing opportunities could be a big selling point for LeBron. Playing with the Knicks in Madison Square Garden is likely enticing for LeBron as well. The point is there will be a number of opportunities for LeBron when he opts out of his contract after next season. He’s going to have to weigh all factors — and until he does, don’t buy into the fact that he’s telling recruits he’ll stay in Cleveland.

As for going after Ariza, what in the world are the Cavs thinking? He’s a small forward who started all of last season. Do they really believe that he is going to come to Cleveland to come off the bench? There’s no reason for Ariza to go to Cleveland when LeBron is without question going to be the starter.

Future Analysis: Los Angeles Lakers

Have you ever asked yourself, “What will happen to the Lakers once Kobe retires?” or, “Who will be the next coach once Phil Jackson retires?“.

In this article I will try my best to answer those questions, as well as others in determining what will become of the defending champions in the future.  First off, I will start with discussing who will be the Lakers next head coach once Phil Jackson retires, because that is most likely the next thing to happen.

Phil Jackson was originally rumored to be retiring this offseason due to health issues, but after getting the “ok” from his doctor he will be returning to coach the Lakers full time next season.  When he finally does retire though, it is expected that Kurt Rambis will take over as the head coach.  Though Rambis has been an assistant with the Lakers for a couple of seasons, I believe that there may be better choices for the Lakers when it’s time to get a new coach.  Byron Scott is the top choice by many Lakers fans to be the new head coach.  Not only is he a former Lakers player, but he was also the coach of the year two seasons ago.  He is an excellent offensive and defensive coach, and could be a perfect fit for the Lakers.  Kurt Rambis is a good coach and deserves the job, but I think that if Byron Scott or, possibly, Nate McMillan is available then they should pursue them.

With the aging and retirement of some of the players on the team over the next few seasons, the Lakers will need to transition into a team led by Andrew Bynum and other young players.  After the Lakers swapped Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest through free agency, they are less prepared for the future.  The Lakers are gradually becoming a veteran team led by Ron Artest (29), Kobe Bryant (30), Pau Gasol (28), and Lamar Odom (29).  Although they have young players in Jordan Farmar, Andrew Bynum, Josh Powell, and Sasha Vujacic, Farmar and Vujacic are extremely inconsistent and are expected to be traded at some point, while Bynum has two surgically repaired knees that might cause problesm in the future, but he might be just fine, and Josh Powell isn’t a starting caliber player.  If Andrew Bynum is able to return to his star form and avoids getting injured, then the Lakers will have a nice building block for the future.  Kobe Bryant will be finishing his career with L.A., so the Lakers will have a lot of time to start rebuilding even when he is still in the NBA.  And since it is the Lakers, they will have no problem getting marque players through free agency.  Since Artest, Gasol, Bryant, and Odom will all be retiring within a 3-year span of each other, the Lakers will need to be prepared to rebuild quickly.  And there is a possibility that some of them will be on a different team before they retire.

Now for the Post-Kobe Lakers era.  The Post-Kobe Era will be highlighted by Andrew Bynum and another star player that we don’t know about yet.  It is a guarantee that the Lakers will be able to get another star guard the same offseason that Kobe Bryant retires, whether it be through free agency or a trade.  If Andrew Bynum is able to develop into a 20/10 guy who plays at least 70 games a season, then the Lakers will be in good shape.  There are rumors that OJ Mayo wants to be a Laker, so when he is a free agent after Kobe Bryant retires, there is a good chance that he would come to the Lakers.  The Lakers will also be stocking up on players in the next few years through the draft and through getting hidden gems in trades (like the Ariza trade).

So, no matter what happens in the future, you can always expect the Lakers to be a good team led by superstars.

Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents

The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams.  For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.

Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon.  Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks.  Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring.  After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him.  Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders.  Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.

Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home.  Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic.  The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy.  Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.

Timmy’s Take: Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza, a key member of the 2009 NBA Champions, has left for Houston. Was it because the Lakers didn’t want him back? No. Was it because Ariza didn’t want to come back? No. Was it because he requested too much money? Yes. The Lakers’ desperately wanted Trevor back in a Laker uniform for years to come but because of 1 good season he had, his agent thinks his client deserves a $50 Million contract. Hell no. We love you Ariza, but you arent worth anymore than $6 Million a year. He was that guy who would be at the corner waiting for the ball to come for him to hit the three. He was that guy who hustled for every loose ball. He was a fan favorite in LA. Everyone loved him. The Los Angeles Lakers made Ariza who he is today.

Craig Hodges, one of the greatest shooters to ever live, taught him how to shoot, the Laker’s offense allowed him to be open for those big shots. The Lakers’ defense even, allowed him to make epic steals to close out games. And he thanks us by telling us he wants a $50 million dollar contract, one that wasn’t deserved after just one season. Let me tell you guys now, Ariza will not get open looks in Houston, Ariza will not score big in Houston, Ariza will not flourish in Houston period. The Lakers were willing to give David Lee and his client, Ariza Mid-level exception money, for over 5 to 6 years even. Lee said he wanted a $50 Million dollar contract for his client, we refused, we got out and got an even better player, shooter, and defender in Ron Artest. Ariza decides to join the Rockets for the same money we offered him.

David Lee says “…it was more about respect than money”. David, you’re full of bulls**t. You can’t request a huge contract like that and then say it wasn’t about money in the end. And if it was about respect, we gave him plenty of respect, we gave him a shot, we gave him his name, the fans gave him love and respect and support. That’s all you can ask for as a basketball player. Or did you want the type of respect as in “show me the money” type of respect? It was all about the money all along. David Lee screwed his client out of a very promising position. Ariza will not be the player he was in LA. Why not take our MLE offer when you were gonna take an MLE offer in the end anyway? You both disrespected the city of Angels, the franchise of the Los Angeles Lakers, and the fans who loved and supported you all the way to the NBA Championship last year. I’m telling you now, if you wanted to come back to LA, make sure you mean the LA Clippers, because seeing you as a Laker again will make me puke. Thank you Ariza for everything you have done for us…oh… and Thank y0u for getting us Ron Artest.

The Trevor Ariza-Ron Artest Situation

For all of the people out there that think the Lakers are worse now because they aquired Artest and lost Ariza – you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. Let me tell you something Trevor Ariza is a good player, but let me ask you this. Where the HELL has this man been prior to his stint with the Lakers?

I’ll tell you, he was sitting on his butt just as much as you and I. He improved with the Lakers but it’s not that difficult to improve when you have Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on your team. Trevor is an NBA player, he is expected to hit wide open shots.

Now I’m not saying that he’s gonna turn out to be like every other ex- Laker and fizzle away (much like Brian Cook, Maurice Evans, Smush Parker, Devean George, Tyronne Lue, Vladimir Radmonivic, Derek when he left the first time, Ronny Turiaf the list goes on and on) but the man will just be ordinary, he’ll get his steals and some dunks, but as far as those open looks are concerned…I don’t think so, especially with McGrady and Yao sidelined. The Lakers offense was a perfect fit for the Trevor Ariza not the other way around.

Trevor and/or his agent were really feeling themselves when they commanded that type of money, if Mitch had said ok we’ll give you whatever you want — I definitely would have thought he was smoking the good stuff (not to mention that the Lakers didn’t have that type of money to spend). Trevor hardly deserved the $5.8m that he’s getting, he’s a role player on a championship team, not a star, and you wouldn’t even consider drawing up a play for him in any situation. He flowed well in this offense and his decision to play hardball and risk leaving the Lakers will cost him dearly.

His agent says he wanted to go to a place where he was wanted. Wanted?! What team out there wanted him more than the Lakers and their fans? Don’t give me that nonsense—you bluffed the Lakers called your bluff and in turn got a much better player than you.

I’m not going to sit here and cry over a guy that really started to think he was an MVP. He had a chance to stay in the city he’s from, possibly winning multiple rings and he blew it. Maybe he can come and sit in the crowd with me at the Lakers next parade.

Now that I’ve said what I needed to say about Trevor Ariza, let’s address the FANTASTIC addition of Ron Artest.

  Artest is a far superior player to Ariza. Artest is one of the best on the ball defenders in the league– Trevor is a master of getting in passing lanes, but as far as him muscling up one on one–he’s simply not strong enough to do so. Even when Trevor was on the Lakers, you still saw Kobe guarding Lebron or Paul Pierce–with Ron Artest Kobe will not have to do that any longer. Moreover Ron Artest can create his own shot and shoots the 3 ball at a 40% clip. Let me ask you the last time you have seen Trevor create his own shot? Go ahead I’ll wait………….Ron Artest has had his moments in the past, but just like every human being you mature with age. Ron has been on good behavior the past 3 or 4 years, why do you think that is going to change all of a sudden–especially when he has veterans like Lamar, Kobe, and Derek Fisher around (not to mention the Zen Master himself).

The bottomline is if the Lakers can get back Lamar Odom (which I’m fairly certain they will) this is an unbelievably HUGE upgrade for the Los Angeles Lakers. With Artest they now have a better defender (arguably the best backcourt defense in the league) they have a better shooter, and now they have an enforcer when other teams try to strong arm the Lakers. Oh and did I mention they have now added an all-star, defensive player of the year, 4 time All-defensive team recipient veteran player who himself is HUNGRY for a championship ring? He said himself that he did not care about the money he just wants to win. That statement in itself shows his growth.

This situation could not have worked out better for Los Angeles, for those of you wondering why the Lakers would make such a move, you need to ask yourself what is your thought process opposing this decision.

Like Colin Cowherd said, “Trevor Ariza just left the hot sexy girlfriend who is a renowned cardiologist (Lakers), for a cute cocktail waitress at Ruby Tuesdays (Rockets).”

Sources: Ariza Reaches Agreement with Rockets

This deal doesn’t really help the Rockets considering that they already have Shane Battier and neither of them are shooting guards.  The Rockets just downgraded this offseason by basically trading Artest for Ariza with the Lakers.  Ariza took the same amount of money that he was offered by the Lakers, but instead is playing on the Rockets, who won’t be winning a championship anytime soon.

NBA.com:  HOUSTON (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.

Ariza is coming to Houston just as Ron Artest decided to leave and play for the Lakers. Ariza is likely to take Artest’s spot in the Rockets’ starting lineup.

The 6-foot-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA championship.