Another good game for Meta. 2 Months ago he looked like he'd be amnesty at the end of the season. This past three weeks he looked as good as he has being in years. Last seven games before this one, he's putting up 17 points a game on 51 percent shooting, 4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stls, and he's having another good game tonight. He's also playing some damn inspired defense. Lakers team with a healthier Kobe, an established Bynum, Paul and Ron are a darn good team heading into the playoffs.
He's also getting a lot of touches. Either Kobe has to lower his shot attempts, or Artest has to be a 6th man and man the 2nd unit.
If Kobe can adjust the Lakers have a shot at the Finals this year. It's not like any team is running away with this thing.
I don't really watch the NBA much right now aside from the Rockets but I assume he's happy to be out of the triangle and is starting to realize he can contribute on offense in an efficient way again.
He is finally in shape. He came into the season like 15 pounds overweight. Combined with his mediocre play costing him minutes to Barnes earlier in the season, he is actually fairly fresh compared to many other players.