CBS: Artest to LA

[eagles nut]

If Artest is getting the MLE from the Lakers and the Rockets really want Ariza they might have to offer a little more than the MLE to get him to choose Houston over other teams. So a sign-and-trade might work with the 25 percent rule in play. Lakers might be willing to do it just as a thank you to Ariza but are there any young expendable players the Rockets might be willing to send L.A.'s way?

[TMACFORMVP]

Soo.. Artest couldnt play with T-Mac, but he can play with Kobe?

Well they do run the triangle, so they are able to maximize possessions moreso than us. But I agree, that could be a cause of concern for them.

WAIT... Nevermind, I just thought about it.. Artest is still a Rocket. Watch what he does to LA. hmm

Good point, how he shot 37% from the field against the Lakers and 27% from distance, if we're fortunate enough, we can face that in the playoffs!! Unfortunately it looks like the playoffs are slowly becoming a thing of the past, and the Lakers won't rely on Artest to the extent we did.

[Tommy Trojan]

Being a Laker fan I don't see any truth to this, but if it ever does my wettest dream will come true.

Atleast it will not be too bad Houston will grab Ariza

[TMU]

If Artest is getting the MLE from the Lakers and the Rockets really want Ariza they might have to offer a little more than the MLE to get him to choose Houston over other teams. So a sign-and-trade might work with the 25 percent rule in play. Lakers might be willing to do it just as a thank you to Ariza but are there any young expendable players the Rockets might be willing to send L.A.'s way?

Seriously, what more do the Lakers want? They got Artest for a very good price. Do the Lakers have Ariza's bird rights? Without that bird right, a sign and trade is highly unlikely. The Rockets can't offer Ariza anything more than the MLE. If the Cavaliers match our offer, this rumor is good as dead.

I just don't think we have what it takes to get Ariza.

[TheNewEra]

This crap is sad Rockets are one of my favorite teams in the league I was dreaming for one strong season with the Big 3. With Artest gone, T-Mac most likely going to be traded, and Yao's career potentially over this seems like a Epic sports disaster.

You guys have massive depth so the return back where you want to be might not take as long as most teams in this sitiuation.

[RocketFan]

This crap is sad Rockets are one of my favorite teams in the league I was dreaming for one strong season with the Big 3. With Artest gone, T-Mac most likely going to be traded, and Yao's career potentially over this seems like a Epic sports disaster.

You guys have massive depth so the return back where you want to be might not take as long as most teams in this sitiuation.

I agree. This is the first year where I actually think Rockets have no chance at competing. Unless they get someone really great.

[BaYBaller]

It's not Artest leaving that bugs me, but it's that LA is getting him on such a reasonable deal (if the 3 yrs @ the full MLE is really what the terms are). No matter how you slice it Artest is an upgrade over Ariza, whom I'm highly skeptical about (a ~20% 3pt shooter suddenly shooting 50% in the playoffs and playing awesome D in a contract year?).

The reports make it seem like a sure thing but the contract terms are so much to LA's favor. It's short-termed over pretty much the rest of Artest's prime and a very modest rate of ~6m. What this means is that Artest either had absolutely no leverage/offers or simply that he would've taken just about whatever LA offered so he could try to win a ring. It just seems so contrary to speculation of Artest playing for his last big payday, and most stars don't go "ring-hunting" until they are past their prime. He could've literally mailed it in last season and still could've gotten such a low ball offer this offseason if he wanted.

[Teckon]

No surprise at all on Artest going to Lakers. With Artest going to Lakers, their will not resign Ariza as many has reported.

The key competition for Ariza is either Raptors or Blazers who has the cap to go beyond MLE. Cavs like Rockets has only offered max MLE. So Rocket's chance is as good as Cav's. I also believe lakers has Ariza's bird right and can do a sign and trade with Rockets if rockets want to offer higher than MLE or just trading with each other if Rockets convince Ariza to take the equivalent amount of MLE and thereby save their MLE on another acquisition.

[bballmaniac27]

Yea I was expecting this. Can't say that I'm really heartbroken because he wasn't an ideal fit for the team anyways. I really liked his competitive spirit and all but right now with Tmac and Yao broken there's no purpose in keeping him on the team. Still, it sucks that we can't get anything in return...


lol and all along I was under the impression that the guy hated Kobe and the Lakers. Guess he really wants that ring. Lakers look real good now on paper but it still remains to be seen whether adding Artest will actually make them better.

This crap is sad Rockets are one of my favorite teams in the league I was dreaming for one strong season with the Big 3. With Artest gone, T-Mac most likely going to be traded, and Yao's career potentially over this seems like a Epic sports disaster.

You guys have massive depth so the return back where you want to be might not take as long as most teams in this sitiuation.

I agree. This is the first year where I actually think Rockets have no chance at competing. Unless they get someone really great.

Things sure do change fast. One month ago I felt we would be contending for a top 3 seed next year. Took the champions to 7 games, Yao was supposed to heal in 8 weeks. Now it's doubtful that we even make the playoffs. Still i suppose it's to be expected when you build your team around injury prone stars.

[RussellandFlow]

The elite teams just seem to get better. Tough break for the Rockets, as they get nothing in return for the "pitbull from queens". With Yao's career in question, and T mac being an injury waiting to happen, it is really sad that this team could not remain healthy, and live up to their vast potential. Even if Yao is scheduled to miss half the season, I think the Rockets would be best served trading T Mac and trying to get as much cap space as possible for 2010. Houston is a popular destination amongst NBA players, and I think they could attract someone like Chris Bosh. 3yrs/18 million WOW.

[Bow2Yao11]

Ron would've probably resigned if we have offered him a multiyear deal but with Tmac and Yao out most of next year there really isn't a need for him. We can have a lottery pick and some cap space to sign some big names in 2010 and that is the direction we are headed now.

[Munchlaxatives]

Artest is finally going to a team where he's not the crazy one in the locker room.

[Rocketz973]

Artest via Twitter:

"IT WAS HARD TO KNOW HOUSTON DID NOT OFFER ME A GOOD DEAL. BUT IT IS ALL GOOD. I STILL GOT LOVE FOR THEM."

[Devilzsidewalk]

The elite teams just seem to get better. Tough break for the Rockets, as they get nothing in return for the "pitbull from queens". With Yao's career in question, and T mac being an injury waiting to happen, it is really sad that this team could not remain healthy, and live up to their vast potential. Even if Yao is scheduled to miss half the season, I think the Rockets would be best served trading T Mac and trying to get as much cap space as possible for 2010. Houston is a popular destination amongst NBA players, and I think they could attract someone like Chris Bosh. 3yrs/18 million WOW.

the switch makes sense for both teams: LAL gets a hungry veteran, Houston gets a player thats gonna better as years go by

Houston fans have nothing to be sad about, Artest is a gamer, but bottom line is he's a rapidly declining defender who struggles to hit 40% from the field

[Jaykoolzboy]

Agree win win for both team,

[TracyMcGrady01]

i hate Ron Artest

[ShowtimeFan]

Thanks!

[king a]

http://stevemasonsmog.typepad.com/john_ ... kers-.html



"Kobe said that after the Lakers lost game six of the '08 NBA Finals in Boston by 39 points, he was alone in the shower, just fuming. He heard somebody walk in and assumed it was one of his teammates, or maybe a staff member. Instead, he looked up, and it was Ron Artest (to this day, Kobe has no idea how Artest got into the locker room).

"I want to come help you," Artest said. "If I can, I'm going to find a way to come to LA and give you the help you need to win a title."