Artest to LA?

[sp18614]

With a payroll of approximately $70 million that is nearing the league's luxury tax threshold of $71.15 million, the Kings officially ended their free-agent shopping. The last potential order of business is the future of Ron Artest, the small forward who certainly could be traded before training camp.

According to a league source, the Lakers already have contacted the Kings regarding Artest and are believed to be offering forward Lamar Odom. As of Tuesday evening, the Kings had not returned the call. They are expected to insist on forward Kenny Thomas and his $18 million of remaining salary (over two seasons) being included in that potential trade. Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie declined comment on whether the Lakers had called.

Sam Amick

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1072665.html
http://hoopshype.com/

Do it Mitch!

Lamar & Vlad for Artest & Thomas. Then, depending on the summer league, sign James White & L. Mata.

Do it Mitch!

Fisher/Farmar/Crawford
Kobe/White
Artest/Ariza/Walton
Gasol/Thomas/Mata
Bynum/Mihm/Gasol

Do it Mitch!

[soleartiz]

if artest can come to the lakers it will be great i cant wait to cheer for him . i live 15 mins from Stjohns while he plays for them in college. its just fun to watch him hustle.

[DowJones]

I don't see the Kings taking Vlad back in the deal. It would be something like Odom for Artest/Thomas. Filler would be added, but not Vlad's contract.

[tkb]

I'd love Artest on this team (see sig). Odom for Artest and Thomas is a deal I'd make if Buss is willing to pay the tax.

[magicfan4life05]

I think the Lakers would need to workout an extension or something with Artest before a trade for Odom because Artest could possibly leave for nothing at the end of the season.

...on second thought...odom is also a FA after this season so maybe it's ok for both sides

[gmurray8]

Odom for Thomas/Artest is NOT a good deal for the Lakers. We'll see what they come up with to offer..

[Dexmor]

This trade is exactly what we need espially if we don't get a pg which we probably won't. Kobe wouldn't have to be the only lockdown defender and he would really take alot of pressure off him.
Plus if they got Kenny Thomas they would save money because they wouldn't have to resign Ronny.

Bynum
Gasol
Artest
Kobe
Fisher

That is much better and I believe that would have beaten the Celtics with ease.

[dockingsched]

might as well throw in ariza. he's not going to be resigned if the lakers on the books for artest and thomas.

[Dexmor]

Whatever just get Artest. Artest is exactly what we need espially since Kobe is now 30 and can't be the pg, scorer, defender, and everything else. Artest would let Kobe not have to guard the best player on the court.

[tlifeset]

Everyone wins in this deal. The Lakers get better defensively, Artest gets a new contract, the Kings shed contract and also a complete loon that alienates his teammates.

I actually really like Kenny Thomas too on this team. He's a banger and will help shore up that front line. Don't think for a second that losing Turiaf doesn't have something to do with this. Kenny will fit right in and take his minutes (kind of like what PJ Brown did for the Celts).

I'm on board.

[Dexmor]

Exactly, everybody does win in this. Artest is a headcase for the Kings but Phil can handle him. Odom would fit perfectly on the Kings. Lets face it he and Kobe didn't play great together. Maybe him and Martin could.
How long has Kobe wanted Artest? He should demand this trade to happen.

[Chubby Chaser]

To think... If only Artest decided to opt out we could of had him AND lamar.

[tracey_nice]

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kobela32]

i really love this trade, do it mitch

[Dexmor]

No we couldn't. He was never gonna sign for the midlevel. Nobody ever does who can get more. Not even Cory.
Though from what it sounds like it's up to the Kings and the fact that they haven't locked it up scares me but they have wanted this for years.

[RIPskaterdude]

Somehow, I could see this turning into a 3 team deal. Odom would be nice for the Kings, but even if the Kings trade KT with Artest, we are still stuck with Moore, Thompson, SAR and Odom playing the PF (sure, Odom could do SF instead, but I think he would be the ideal PF for the Kings because he's fast and a good rebounder). Any ideas where Odom could go instead and turn into picks/young prospects for the Kings?

EDIT: Forgot about Shelden too, so with Odom that would leave the Kings with 5 PFs on the team.

[dockingsched]

kings get a loon that alienates his teammates? really? don't get carried away.

[Indy07]

Wow if you get Artest I must say your team with a healthy Drew has 70 win potential if they stay injury free. I think a bit of depth may be necessary since Turiaf is gone but overall I hope you do this deal. Artest was my favorite Pacer and he is an absolute terror to match up or be matched up against

[RIPskaterdude]

Wow if you get Artest I must say your team with a healthy Drew has 70 win potential if they stay injury free. I think a bit of depth may be necessary since Turiaf is gone but overall I hope you do this deal. Artest was my favorite Pacer and he is an absolute terror to match up or be matched up against

With motivation, Kenny Thomas could easily replace Turiaf's production.

[dockingsched]

kenny thomas is trash. don't get it twisted.