Lakers Deal Crushing Blow To Cavs

[The Fallen Angel]

All I have been hearing for 2 days is how Lebron James was "courting" Ron Artest to come play with himself and Shaq in Cleveland, which according to the espn anchors would make the Cavs the best team by far. Artest was said to be the guy who would protect Shaq and Lebron, play great defense and put up some points.

But in a move I can only assume was only made by the Lakers to hurt the Cavs (seeing as they could have easily just signed ariza) they have signed Ron Artest to play with Kobe.

This is a great move imo by the Lakers, it helps their defense and adds another scorer to Kobe and Gasol, not only did it help their team but hurt the Cavs plans a lot. This is why the Lakers are a top team in the NBA because of moves like this





Free-agent forward Ron Artest says he's leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers.



Artest

In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."

ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports that Artest and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on what is believed to be a three-year contract worth an estimated $18 million. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign new deals.

Artest's decision was first reported by CBSSports.com. The mercurial swingman was initially courted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In his text message, Artest said that he met Thursday with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and had spoken to coach Phil Jackson about the move to Los Angeles, where Artest has been spending his offseasons.

Artest's forthcoming arrival strongly suggests that unrestricted free agent Trevor Ariza -- who played such a pivotal run in the Lakers' championship run -- is bound to leave the team. Broussard reported Wednesday that, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, Ariza was likely to leave the Lakers for a new team because L.A. was reluctant to sign him to a contract starting above the league's $5.6 million mid-level exception, even after Ariza's postseason success.

Ariza has been courted by numerous teams, including Cleveland, and met Thursday in Las Vegas with Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey to possibly swap spots with Artest.

Marc Stein

 

[kis123]

All I have been hearing for 2 days is how Lebron James was "courting" Ron Artest to come play with himself and Shaq in Cleveland, which according to the espn anchors would make the Cavs the best team by far. Artest was said to be the guy who would protect Shaq and Lebron, play great defense and put up some points.

But in a move I can only assume was only made by the Lakers to hurt the Cavs (seeing as they could have easily just signed ariza) they have signed Ron Artest to play with Kobe.

This is a great move imo by the Lakers, it helps their defense and adds another scorer to Kobe and Gasol, not only did it help their team but hurt the Cavs plans a lot. This is why the Lakers are a top team in the NBA because of moves like this

Free-agent forward Ron Artest says he's leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers.



Artest

In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."

ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports that Artest and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on what is believed to be a three-year contract worth an estimated $18 million. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign new deals.

Artest's decision was first reported by CBSSports.com. The mercurial swingman was initially courted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In his text message, Artest said that he met Thursday with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and had spoken to coach Phil Jackson about the move to Los Angeles, where Artest has been spending his offseasons.

Artest's forthcoming arrival strongly suggests that unrestricted free agent Trevor Ariza -- who played such a pivotal run in the Lakers' championship run -- is bound to leave the team. Broussard reported Wednesday that, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, Ariza was likely to leave the Lakers for a new team because L.A. was reluctant to sign him to a contract starting above the league's $5.6 million mid-level exception, even after Ariza's postseason success.

Ariza has been courted by numerous teams, including Cleveland, and met Thursday in Las Vegas with Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey to possibly swap spots with Artest.

Marc Stein

Crushing?? Really now!

They can have him with my blessing--I'd rather have Shaq! Now the Lakers can hope Artest doesn't run into the stands like a wild animal and beat fans who boo and taunt him! What a true professional he is; but no worries, just as long as he wins games right?

Good luck to them.

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

This is a very high-risk high-reward move for the Lakers. If Artest stays out of trouble and is dedicated to basketball , then it is a good move. But you never know with his history when he will WIG OUT and do something really really stupid . I would have re-signed Ariza rather than signing Artest If I were L.A. , but at the least it should be very interesting to follow .

As for Cleveland , there have been rumors linked to so many diffrerent players that it is getting comical . I have heard the names Kidd, Artest , Ariza , Gortat , Wallace , and Villanueva just to name a few.

 

[primetime]

GREAT MOVE by the Lakers!!!! Personally, I wanted Ariza back, but he balked on the Lakers initial offer. The Lakers probably already knew that Artest wanted to come to LA. He's ALWAYS wanted to come to LA. I am going to miss Ariza, but Artest as a fallback plan is beautiful!!!

It pretty much means Odom will be re-signed as Odom and Artest grew up in the same neighborhood. Man, we now have that "enforcer" type that the Lakers needed. Plus, he was more consistent on the outside shot than Ariza.

For those who think Artest will implode, well, Phil Jackson controlled screwball Rodman and Artest was nothing like Rodman. Plus, did Artest implode Sacramento or Houston? NO.

When the Lakers re-sign Odom and Shannon Brown, I think our chances to win again will remain the same.

It is good to be a Lakers fan!!!!

Sorry Cavs, you got old man Shaq. Plus if Rasheed Wallace goes to Boston, it will be them unfortunately who will make the Finals. LA vs Boston NBA Finals.........

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

GREAT MOVE by the Lakers!!!! Personally, I wanted Ariza back, but he balked on the Lakers initial offer. The Lakers probably already knew that Artest wanted to come to LA. He's ALWAYS wanted to come to LA. I am going to miss Ariza, but Artest as a fallback plan is beautiful!!!

It pretty much means Odom will be re-signed as Odom and Artest grew up in the same neighborhood. Man, we now have that "enforcer" type that the Lakers needed. Plus, he was more consistent on the outside shot than Ariza.

For those who think Artest will implode, well, Phil Jackson controlled screwball Rodman and Artest was nothing like Rodman. Plus, did Artest implode Sacramento or Houston? NO.

When the Lakers re-sign Odom and Shannon Brown, I think our chances to win again will remain the same.

It is good to be a Lakers fan!!!!

Sorry Cavs, you got old man Shaq. Plus if Rasheed Wallace goes to Boston, it will be them unfortunately who will make the Finals. LA vs Boston NBA Finals.........

He did basically force his way out of Sacramento . this is the same guy that wanted to take an extended leave of absence years ago to work on his hip hop career . It has the potential to be a good move , it has the potential to backfire. My biggest worry would be in a year or two if he starts whining about being underpaid . Jackson won`t be coaching that much longer , it could be the Lakers next coach that may have problems.

 

[BButtonLuver]

totally agree...

GREAT MOVE by the Lakers!!!! Personally, I wanted Ariza back, but he balked on the Lakers initial offer. The Lakers probably already knew that Artest wanted to come to LA. He's ALWAYS wanted to come to LA. I am going to miss Ariza, but Artest as a fallback plan is beautiful!!!

It pretty much means Odom will be re-signed as Odom and Artest grew up in the same neighborhood. Man, we now have that "enforcer" type that the Lakers needed. Plus, he was more consistent on the outside shot than Ariza.

For those who think Artest will implode, well, Phil Jackson controlled screwball Rodman and Artest was nothing like Rodman. Plus, did Artest implode Sacramento or Houston? NO.

When the Lakers re-sign Odom and Shannon Brown, I think our chances to win again will remain the same.

It is good to be a Lakers fan!!!!

Sorry Cavs, you got old man Shaq. Plus if Rasheed Wallace goes to Boston, it will be them unfortunately who will make the Finals. LA vs Boston NBA Finals.........

Can you all just say..Championship!!

 

[kis123]

This is a very high-risk high-reward move for the Lakers. If Artest stays out of trouble and is dedicated to basketball , then it is a good move. But you never know with his history when he will WIG OUT and do something really really stupid .

We will see....we will see!

Artest and Kobe.....I can hardly wait!

Good luck Lakers!

 

[primetime]

Man, Ron Artest took the MID LEVEL exception to play for the Lakers. It wasn't like the Lakers begged him to come. Artest wants to be a Laker. You really think he is going to screw up? With leadership of Phil, Kobe and Fisher?

Artest didn't screw up in Houston. Why would we believe he will do it in LA. He wants to dance in a parade and have champagne poured on his eyeballs. He wants a RING.

I know Ariza must feel silly now. He is going to Houston at the same pay the Lakers offered him....

It does feel good to be a Lakers fan!!!

 

[kis123]

Man, Ron Artest took the MID LEVEL exception to play for the Lakers. It wasn't like the Lakers begged him to come. Artest wants to be a Laker. You really think he is going to screw up? With leadership of Phil, Kobe and Fisher?

Artest didn't screw up in Houston. Why would we believe he will do it in LA. He wants to dance in a parade and have champagne poured on his eyeballs. He wants a RING.

I know Ariza must feel silly now. He is going to Houston at the same pay the Lakers offered him....

It does feel good to be a Lakers fan!!!

Good luck......you can have him! I have no problem with it!

But it would be bad if he lost his temper........wouldn't it??

Or if he needed street cred on your team's watch???

Happy landings!

 

[primetime]

There will be times when he does lose his temper. And? At least he will go to a media session afterwards instead of ducking out after he loses an Eastern Conference Finals. Oops, I mean a Western Conference playoff game.... Or better yet, Ron will play a FULL season instead of taking nights off like a certain OLD center....



Funny, I don't remember Ron Artest going bananas in Houston. Can someone please remind me what he did in Houston that was so wrong? I mean, the Rockets never made it to the 2nd round in a while and Artest pretty much helped the Rockets take the Lakers to game 7 WITHOUT Yao and Mcgrady.

 

[kis123]

There will be times when he does lose his temper. And? At least he will go to a media session afterwards instead of ducking out after he loses an Eastern Conference Finals. Oops, I mean a Western Conference playoff game.... Or better yet, Ron will play a FULL season instead of taking nights off like a certain OLD center....



Funny, I don't remember Ron Artest going bananas in Houston. Can someone please remind me what he did in Houston that was so wrong? I mean, the Rockets never made it to the 2nd round in a while and Artest pretty much helped the Rockets take the Lakers to game 7 WITHOUT Yao and Mcgrady.

Let's see how he does in LA!! Personally, I hope I'm wrong, but if I'm right......you guys can have him and keep him on his game without him bringing on lawsuits in the stands.

Congratulations! You can have him......

 

[primetime]

And we will gladly take him!!! Have fun with Krispy Kreme O'Neal, I mean Shaquille O'Neal. Man, you are going to discover why the Lakers dropped him....

 

[kis123]

I'll take Shaq over mr Artest.....oh I mean.........jump over the stands and beat up fans when I don't get my way...but you aren't the least bit concerned. Have at it baby.....I'll take Shaq broken down and mellowed out any day over Artest...can't stand him and never could. You guys let me know how that works out....

 

[primetime]

I will definitely let you know when it works out. Did you want me to send you pictures of Ron kissing the trophy at the parade in Downtown LA next year?

Too bad Boston will crush the Cavs next year. Shaq will not make a difference. Why? Who's going to guard Kevin Garnett? Lebron will not get the ring.

LA vs Boston in the 2010 Finals.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

I will definitely let you know when it works out. Did you want me to send you pictures of Ron kissing the trophy at the parade in Downtown LA next year?

Too bad Boston will crush the Cavs next year. Shaq will not make a difference. Why? Who's going to guard Kevin Garnett? Lebron will not get the ring.

LA vs Boston in the 2010 Finals.

I have to agree i do think this makes the Lakers the best team and the favorite for the title in 2010 and i think shaq only hurts the cavs

 

[primetime]

Now the Lakers do need to sign Odom too. Once that is done, get ready for the CHAMPS.

I also hope we sign Shannon Brown. The Lakers are going to have ridiculous depth.

 

[jaba]

it appears Kobe has forgiven Artest for attacking Kobe's elbow with Artest's throat in that playoff game......

i'm still dubious about the deal....short term upside for the lakers, but Ariza was the only one of the new young laker crew who really stepped up in the playoffs and finals, and he's only going to get better as he gets older.