There has been no news about Artest considering the Lakers, but I wonder if he is. He interviewed Kobe recently on the Best Damn Sports Show. And frankly, he would be a nice fit in LA. I truly believe the Lakers want to rid themselves of Odom. The Lakers signing Artest would be just like the Bulls signing Rodman before the 1995-96 season. Phil Jackson would treat Artest just like he did Rodman. and th Lakers would be instantly tougher and more physical, just like the 96 Bulls. If the Lakers are able to get Gasol for nothing, and then get Artest for nothing, well, game over. I really hope this does not happen.
They probably could have had him at the deadline if they still had any 1st rd picks available to accompany Ariza, Farmar, and Mihm's expiring.
The Maloofs aren't that stupid and I doubt the Kings would trade with the Lakers given their rivalry much less trade to an instate rival. I could see Artest moving through free agency but in a trade I doubt it.
he is about to come on Loose Cannons local LA radio show in about five minutes to talk about it. it's 8 million in Sac vs. 6.5 mill in LAL
Of course the Kings would not trade Artest to LA. I'm talking about him just choosing to sign with the Lakers. I think Ronny boy is thinking hard about signing with the Lakers to put them over the top. That would not be a good thing for the Rockets or the rest of the Western Conference. I wish the Rockets would try harder to get him.
NO! Artest comes here! What were people thinking? He has 5 times the offense battier has and the same defense We need a couple of coocoo heads here! Harpring tried to bully artest, harpring says it the other way around but its not true heres the vid see we could use someone like this <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ke8Rxz9TfOs&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ke8Rxz9TfOs&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
How does interviewing Kobe translate to him thinking about becoming a Laker? I'm sure he wouldn't mind going to any team that is contending.
I've heard Artest in 2 radio interviews today. Was wondering why all of a sudden he's a go-to guy in the interview circuit. This makes a little more sense, everyone and himself pairing him up with a team he could put "over the top" I'm sure he could make up some of that 1.5 million difference in an endorsement deal somewhere just buy putting on a Laker uniform.....
I'm not at all surprised at Artest's comments. He wants to win but at the same time he wants to get payed. He made a statement some months ago that the marketing price for him was around 13 M. I'm sorry,I don't recall where I read it,but I clearly remember him saying something to that effect. I'm not saying he couldn't help the Rockets out but he isn't more than a 7-8M player and there is no doubt that he is unreliable and in my opinion he overrates himself too.
Artest is taking the reasonable position-- which is the reasonable position to take if (1) you have a player option for good money next season and (2) you are not sure if your own team is eager to give you the contract you want. This is because few teams are under the salary cap so chances are you either take what your team offers you, take the MLE, or try to get a S&T done. The S&T option leaves you pretty vulnerable because this assumes (1) someone will want to pay you the big money, and (2) your team is willing to take back the salary of whoever is coming back (rather than, say, just letting you walk). In other words, if you have a decent money guaranteed for next year, why not take it and play the free agent game next year if the market isn't likely to get any worse-- more teams can get under the cap, your team might trade you midyear to a team that wants you, etc...
