I wanted to share this as a ballboy.
I'm a big fan of another active NBA player (aside from Kobe), and his name is Ron Artest. I'm quite choosy with being a fan of individual players. Back in the 90's, I thought Charles Barkley was the MAN, until Kobe came in 96'. I'm a fan of players with heavy intensity levels like Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, and now Ron Artest. Of course, their intensity is misunderstood as being marked as a 'bad-boy' but different players ooze different intensity. Like Jordan, Bryant and KG, they show their intensity through their game. While players like Rodman, Barkley, and Artest show their intensity through marking their territory on opposing fans and on the court.
According to the lakersnation.com and sacbee.com, Ron Artest is interested in joining the Lakers, and the Lakers feeling mutual about it. Artest is a restricted free agent and has an option to buy out his contract. This leaves quite an intriguing thought. How is he going to fit in the lakers? is he gna bring his "attitude" to L.A? who from L.A is gna leave? as for now. its all just wishful thinking.
Phil Jackson and Jordan were able to keep Rodman in-line, Jackson-Kobe tandem could probably do the same to Artest with much less work since he does not dress like a woman. Artest was awesome during his stint with the Pacers until the 'incident'. Artest, currently with Sac Kings has been scoring inconsistently and has become a show rather than becoming the player he was before the 'incident'. Regardless of his scoring inconsistency, he still plays mean defense. he's able to body bigger guys, run the floor and has an average shooting percentage, he's is probably the best 'trash' player in the league since his Pacer days.
Now, how will he fit in the lakers? Bynum's return means Pau takes the 4 spot, Odom to the 3, Kobe 2, and Fish 1. The addition of Artest gives the lakers a more fluid bench transition. 4 of the laker starters are capable of playing 2-3 different positions, we can also see a Pau-Odom-Artest-Kobe-Fish line up and even an admirable Bynum-Pau-Odom-Artest-Kobe line up.
GM-ish concern: Who would the lakers move to create space? the lakers would be looking to move players with salary-cap problems and Phil Jackson's coaching style is dependent on players who can play 2 or 3 different positions. I am looking at the release of Mbenga and Ira Newble, or the release or trade of Mihm and Rado and even Luke. There is that risk of trading for a player like Ron Artest. Im sure the lakers are looking to keep the likes of Farmar, Sasha, Ronny, and Ariza on their bench since they wont have another draft pick until 2012.
#1 reason why Artest should move to L.A: Artest is a winner, he is one of the best defenders in the league, imagine Kobe and Artest defending together, imagine Kobe coming down with an injury while Pau-Odom-Artest carry the team, as a matter of fact, injure Odom while your at it and Bynum-Pau-Artest is gna carry the team. *currently knocking on wood* lol. THE DYNASTY RETURNS...
How intense is the NBA going to be? How many other teams are gna opt to promote and throw around hopeless trades like the Suns and Mavs did?
As for now. its all just wishful thinking. But it would be sweet to see Artest in purple and gold donning #15 or #91 or #23 or #93.
