Looks like Artest is goin to LA....

[Killa B]

Rockets unrestricted free agent Ron Artest told CBSSportsline.com that he is going to sign with the Lakers.

"I’m definitely going to L.A. — to sign, yeah," Artest said in a phone interview. "Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I’m in L.A. right now." Artest said that he met with owner Dr. Jerry Buss Thursday, has spoken with Phil Jackson and is meeting with his agent, David Bauman, tonight to finalize details. This likely means Trevor Ariza will not be returning to the Lakers, but could be joining Artest's former team, the Rockets. "I don't really care about the money," Artest said. "I'll play there for nothing."
Source: CBSSportsline.com


Of course he is a nut-head so there's no tellin

[Brooklyn Dave]

If true, this will be a real test for Kobe (like MJ with Rodman). Artest can make the Lakers even better if he doesn't cause problems.

[mpgraphix]

F***

We need sheed...and then hold on to your seats for the WCF!!!

[Dr. Laker]

This was a move strictly geared towards defending LeBron James.

[TRslick81]

great move for the lakers but what does it mean for lamar odom?!?!Ariza is gone for sure probably to cleveland but can they still keep odom?!?!?

[BoerneAg54]

This is sick, bad effin news for us! Lakers are much stronger because of this, I think. No wonder they only offere Ariza the mle!

[mpgraphix]

he settled for 3 yr 18 million ... wow.

[mpgraphix]

Originally Posted by Dr. Laker

This was a move strictly geared towards defending LeBron James.

that's a bit presumptuous to come in here and say. dont count the chickens before they roost.

[Dr. Laker]

Originally Posted by TRslick81

great move for the lakers but what does it mean for lamar odom?!?!Ariza is gone for sure probably to cleveland but can they still keep odom?!?!?

Yep - getting Artest at the MLE ensures that the $$$ is there for Odom.

[Uwe Blab]

Well, he didn't exactly play well in the playoffs. Of course, I'm also just looking for the bright side in all of this for the Spurs.

[Dr. Laker]

Originally Posted by mpgraphix

that's a bit presumptuous to come in here and say. dont count the chickens before they roost.

Not really. Just like the Cavs acquiring Shaq was to counter Dwight Howard and Gasol/Bynum, Artest was signed to defend LeBron.

Might we have problems with SA/DEN/POR/BOS/ORL? Yes, of course. But Artest was acquired specifically to cover a big hole in terms of physicality.

Of course, He should do OK against RJ, too!

[Dr. Laker]

Originally Posted by Uwe Blab

Well, he didn't exactly play well in the playoffs. Of course, I'm also just looking for the bright side in all of this for the Spurs.

True and, of course, it's the same situation as when the Bulls acquired Rodman from the Spurs: the risks are as obvious as the rewards.

[theinswes]

Originally Posted by mpgraphix

he settled for 3 yr 18 million ... wow.

good grief, how did the pull that off?! i mean, really, how? everyone expected artest to want a big money deal, and they get him for this cheap of a price!?

there must be tons of outside influences for him, i guess hollywood for his rap career, playing with kobe (a guy he must respect talent-wise after all the on-court battles, winning a ring...) really makes you wonder....

damn you LA!

[mpgraphix]

Originally Posted by Dr. Laker

Not really. Just like the Cavs acquiring Shaq was to counter Dwight Howard and Gasol/Bynum, Artest was signed to defend LeBron.

Might we have problems with SA/DEN/POR/BOS/ORL? Yes, of course. But Artest was acquired specifically to cover a big hole in terms of physicality.

Of course, He should do OK against RJ, too!

just sayin...unlike last year, we should be healthy and able to provide a real foe in the WCF this year. the statement seemed like an insult at RJ and the Spurs by saying he was brought in to play D against a guy in the east.

Artest could and should be a great pickup...if we get one of the big men we really need to play against you guys...it's on like donkey kong ;)

[TRslick81]

Artest was on his best behavior in houston dont think that will change much in la with phillip at the helm.La getting artest and keeping odom would be a great offseason for the lakers

[Uwe Blab]

Unfortunately, it will still come down to Manu being healthy for the playoffs AND playing at least at 2007-08 level. I still like our chances if that happens, with the moves they have made and assuming they get a decent big in free agency.

[TimmyDthaWay2B]

What's new.. Lakers getting another superstar.... Artest is a chump... One minute he hates Kobe, now he is all up in kobes jock....

[TRslick81]

we have to get rasheed to counteract artest to lala land

they have kobe/artest for manu and rj along with gasol,bynum and possibly odom vs timmy we have to get a legit big

[spurs fan removed]

this is an improvement over ariza. whoever gets ariza will be disappointed because he's a beneficiary of playing on a talented lakers team.

[mpgraphix]

Originally Posted by TimmyDthaWay2B

What's new.. Lakers getting another superstar.... Artest is a chump... One minute he hates Kobe, now he is all up in kobes jock....

i think he's looking to abandon ship...with the news on Yao...and the fact that T-Mac's pretty much baked. He's just another member of the "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" club.