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I think its like a T.O. sign, he will create controversery in the locker room.

KOBE VS Artest!!!!

Srry abt my spelling

it will still be intresting tho

so good decision or bad decision for the Lakers guys?

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:40 PM ET  07.02 by longhorns274323

so good decision or bad decision for the Lakers guys?

great decision IMHO...there is enough personalities to keep him straight...Kobe actually respects the guy and visa versa...I think they got better...

I think it is a great decision. Although I am not a Lakers fan, I believe Artest is an up-grade in Trevor Ariza. Although both have similar qualities, Artest is a more aggressive defender, as well as a scorer, and is able to guard both forward positions, unlike Ariza.

I hate to see Ariza go man. He was a big part in our championship run. But you see that Artest wants to win a ring, and Ariza wants the money. We play for rings not always the money. Granted he had his best season as a pro, but why do you think you are worth 7-8 million a year. Artest signed for 6 million a year. C'mon Trevor!! Now you went to the Rockets who have a injury prone depleted team. Yao might be don forever, and T-Mac is always hurt. You really hurt yourself by being selfish. You was gonna get a upgrade eventually. Good things happen to those who wait. But you left and went to the Rockets. Sorry brah, but now you with the enemy. Good luck to ya.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:40 PM ET  07.02 by longhorns274323

so good decision or bad decision for the Lakers guys?

Artest for Trevor?
I think this is a great adition for the lakers. they get a tuff guy that can defend the best and that is just an improvement in almost every aspect that Trevor could have given the lakers.

It is, of course a gamble. But LA is used with controversy, so I don't think this would everbecome a distraction.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 11:04 AM ET  07.03 by tnerb57

So this turns out essentially to be a trade, with the Lakers saving 1-2 mil a season.

and getting a definite upgrade in player.

I won't say good or bad just yet. But we will see. Anything can happen. The Lakers have downgraded somewhat in the loss of Ariza. But they gain a mental toughness and physical all around bad boy in Artest who is essentially what Dennis Rodman was to Michael Jordan. Artest can be a scorer though if they needed him to be but lay in the weeds and just do garbage work in the low post as well if they don't need him. Does the addition of Artest mean a Lakers Repeat as Champions? Not necessarily. Nothing is ever guaranteed. With Jackson back though, at least the Lakers will incorporate the same kind of system they worked under the last several seasons which finally led to their title redemption.

The Lakers might repeat, but they might not. They are still a work in progress if you ask me. They have all the pieces to do it again, but whether they can hold it together the way they did this past season remains to be seen.

I suspect Ariza's agent wanted him to hold out for more money, and it blew up in his face. His agent got him to sign with a lesser team, for just about the same money the Lakers offered.

Artest is a major upgrade over Trevor, Artest is a solid player that can deliver every game. Trevor on the other hand makes plays here and there. Artest is a guy that can start on most teams Trevor would be a backup on most teams

The ? is what are they gonna do about Lamar Odem ?

it's an ok decision I guess, they will be a better team, but their roster is stack. Since they have Artest, what will happen to Odom. This I will say is a risky move by the Lakers

Its a great pick up; face it, with all the big teams only getting better this offseason, LA needed to as well to have a chance at a repeat. Cavs now have a good defensive center who knows how to control the middle and has experience even if he only plays 20 min a night, its enough to give them that next dimension they need. Boston is probably on the top of Rasheed's list and that will put them back in the top 3 barring no injuries.

QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 03:09 PM ET  07.05 by nords21

Its a great pick up; face it, with all the big teams only getting better this offseason, LA needed to as well to have a chance at a repeat. Cavs now have a good defensive center who knows how to control the middle and has experience even if he only plays 20 min a night, its enough to give them that next dimension they need. Boston is probably on the top of Rasheed's list and that will put them back in the top 3 barring no injuries.

I agree with you.
This will be an interesting season, to say the least...

Artest to the Lakers is probably going to be huge for them. I can't wait for next season; it's looking to be one of the most exciting in a long time, provided the Spurs don't make the finals, I fall asleep watching them play.

I feel bad for Ariza. His agent blew it for him. I am sure Ariza wanted to stay with the Lakers and enjoy the aura of being a champ wherever the team goes. Lakers should have been in contact with Ariza more than his agent.

However, the Laker team had a stroke of luck becuase it pushed their hand to get Artest---who is an upgrade.

Artest's defense and toughness will be welcomed in L.A.

Oh! And one more thing: In 2008, when Ariza was injured, I kept telling my Lakerfan friends that Bynum wasn't the one who I was excited about returning----it was Ariza. I kept saying, "Watch out for Ariza! He is going to prove himself worthy. You'll see!"--------Boy was I right.

Sad to see him go. I am a UCLA fan too so that's another reason I like Ariza.