Lakers Artested

Let me just say, I loved watching Ariza develop into the player that he had become in a Lakers jersey, even if it was only for a brief period. An LA native, coming out of UCLA just like Farmar, he was a fan favorite and loved by all Laker fans. When he threw it down on Grant Hill we knew we had something special, and he proved it in the next coming season. I know depth gets thrown around allot when talking about the Lakers of this past season, but it's said with truth. Ariza off the bench has been huge. We have had real depth. When he has started, we've had LO and Shannon coming through, once again; real depth. Now as far as losing Trevor to the Rockets, I can only speak on what I've seen and been told through the media, and based on the information I've gathered it looks as though Ariza's agent has played a deadly game with the Lakers management. There were claims that teams had offered big money for Trevor's services and talent, but when Mitch calls the bluff and signs Artest for practically the same money offered to Ariza, he signs with Houston for 200k more a season than what LA was offering. Does that make sense to anyone? Not likely.

Let me tell you what's wrong with this picture, even though it's obvious. Trevor has had one great season with LA. He's from LA. He just won a Championship with LA. He has left LA for a minor increase in pay to go and play with Houston, who while having a great season and making a run in the playoffs, clearly don't have much going for them in the immediate future with the injuries to Yao and McGrady's past relating to his current injury and his general health record. Combine that with Ron Artest walking and Ariza ain't in the best position considering what he has just left. A chance to remain on center stage. Sound like cutting your nose off despite your face? That's exactly what it is and 'it is what it is' as Trevor seemed to comment. There never was a big offer on the table. You don't sign with a team like that if you had a big offer. Initially I heard Artest was option A, but now I'm hearing Ariza was in fact option A. It's hard to call. I believe the Lakers GM wanted to keep this team intact, Ariza showed a heap of promise and was a key factor in some of those wins we pulled off in that Championship run, but if David Lee is going to play hardball, as he has in the past with the Bynum negotiations, and you can sign a proven veteran like Ron, then you'd be crazier than Ron has been perceived to not lock down Artest. Sorry Trevor, it's been fun, but the Lake show must go on.

Right now it's hard to call but I like this acquisition and let me tell you why. While Ron has had some troubled past he has showed promise over the last 2 to 3 seasons and while you will get the odd game where he 'loses' it so to speak, he still manages to remain professional for the most part. I happened to be watching the Pistons/Pacers game live when that whole fiasco went down. I was blown away. I had been somewhat of an Artest fan up until that stage but as allot of people did, I began to wonder about 'crazy' Ron. Things have been different the last few seasons with Artest, he's kept his cool for the most part and just kept his head down doing what he does best. We just put him alongside one of the greatest to play the game who Ron goes way back with and looks up to. Ron and Odom (who we still need to lock down) also go way back as childhood friends and if there's ever a coach who can keep Ron in check, Phil Jackson is your man. I've read Dennis Rodman's books and it was evident that Coach Jackson was the only one broad minded enough to keep Dennis happy and focused. Wrestling antics aside.

The Lakers also just got much more tougher. It's plain for all to see. This has to be a positive for any fan who remember getting stomped on by the Celtics. In the 07/08 season we were bullied out of a title. They simply weren't physical enough to stand up to that Boston team. Things changed last season, LO stood up and got right in Garnett's face, Pau stood up and showed the presence he possesses. The Lakers were no longer a 'push over' and we just got stronger. We swept the season series against Boston last season. Once without Bynum who we were also without in the 2008 NBA Finals. You add Artest to the equation and it makes perfect sense. All of a sudden the Celtics landing Sheed doesn't even phase this Laker fan. If Ron can remain professional, focused and keep his emotions off the floor, I'm confident this works for the better. When you look around the league there are many big name changes taking place. Shaq to Cleveland. Carter to Orlando. Jefferson to San Antonio. Marion to Dallas. Sheed to Boston. In a league where so many teams are making vital changes to get themselves over the line, it only makes sense to make some necessary changes of our own and if you look at the history of our championship runs, it definitely ain't the first time, and it won't be the last. So welcome to LA Ron. Enjoy your time. Get that Ring.

There were reports a few weeks ago of Ron entering the Lakers locker room in Boston after we lost in game 6. He approached Kobe in the the showers and told him 'I'm gonna find a way to come to LA, I'm gonna help you win a Championship'. At first I didn't believe it but it sounded like Ron. The insanity of it fit the image some of us have had for the guy. Now having heard it from both horses mouths, it seems to be true. It's crazy enough for Ron to do. What was he doing in Boston? How did he get into the locker rooms? Who cares? I do. It shows how much heart this guy has. We're lucky enough to sign another player who has one thing on his mind; Championships.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being a loss to the Celtics and a 10 being absolute Showtime in '85; this ranks right up there. Consider what we've given up. We lost Ariza, we gain Ron who is proven. It's a 'no brainer'. It's the right move to make. And the most important thing, the guy has heart, despite public perception and he wants to be here. He's wanted to be here since his days in Indiana. He's taken a pay cut to be here and I'm proud to have Ron in LA. Who knows what the future holds? It's yet to be seen but for now I'm pretty hyped up about this. It's been almost 3 years in the making since the first time Artest's name was mentioned in regards to coming to LA and now he's finally here. In the words of WC; 'This is Los Angeles'. And let me add; Let the good times roll.

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