Artest to Lakers

[CanaTigers]

Wow. If Artest goes to the Lakers they are hands down the faves again next year and the Rockets are done for awhile now with Yao gone.

 

[hornpharmd]

Artest has turned into a better outside shooter. If he can continue to do that in addition to his defense then I like this addition. Lakers losing Ariza will hurt and this is one of the best solutions to address that lost that I could have thought of. However keeping Ariza would have been even better IMO.

 

[Bob in Houston]

He was a horrible outside shooter in the playoffs. Just awful.

 

[buckhorn]

I like his D. His O is spotty. I would hope that he is ready to be a role player again rather than flitting bout believing himself a 'go-to' guy.

 

[Horns11]

But he's as good a defender as Ariza, and it's kind of funny that he's signing for the same amount they offered Trevor.

Lakers are in good shape right now, but I'd like to see if they can hold it together for the 2010 playoffs. The 2004 Lakers were supposed to roll everyone with their All Star lineup, but they were constantly bickering and got blasted by the Pistons.

 

[HatDaddy]

Artest is much more versatile than Ariza. I do like the pickup, although I would have preferred Ariza over Artest.
Ariza is not a selfish guy and one that knows his role.
Artest, well it is Ron Artest and you have no idea if/when he is on his meds.

 

[Sugartown]

Lakers should be pretty stout. Hope Morey gets some $$$ to work with so he can build up 'his' team.

 

[TexanWolv]

Ariza to Rockets:

Ariza

I love that Morey doesnt allow himself to get into bidding wars.

 

[CanaTigers]

Ariza got hot in the playoffs and made some great plays. But that was not the norm for him. His playoff number was far above his averages ever. So I can't blame LA for not giving him the money he wanted.

Artest is much more of guarantee when it comes to production, unless he loses his mind. I don't think with Phil and Kobe there he will pull those stunts, an excellent chance for a ring is better than meds.

 

[TomTerrific]

This pick was for the sole purpose of guarding LeBron.

 

[Horns11]

They only play LBJ twice a year. And Shaq doesn't make them finals-bound, especially if the East (Boston and Orlando especially) is healthy this year.

 

[TomTerrific]

Cleavland will be in the finals.

I am ready to bet on it.

 

[naphan]

In reply to:

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[TexasGolf]

As a Rocket fan, I like the trade. Artest is too much of a ball hog at times and gets out of control....imo, Ariza is a better team player and will mold into his role with the Rockets.

Hopefully TMAC can stay healthy.

 

[Tommy_Grand]

Given the two players' respective ages, and considering Artest's propensity to go rogue, I'd take Ariza. As he gains experience, Ariza's performance should meet or exceed what he provided last season. As he approaches 31, Artest's speed is likely to decline a tad. That's the general trend anyway.

Still, the Lakers with Artest > Houston w/ Ariza. The Rockets won't make the finals w/o Yao.