So Trevor played well towards the end of the season and in the playoffs for the Lakers. No one saw that coming and they haven't seen it since. In fact, that is the only time in his entire career we've seen a significant string of good games from Ariza. As for your comment about double teams, you're neglecting the fact that Ariza benefitted greatly during that late season stretch from double teams on Kobe and Gasol. It's for that fact that I can't argue that Ariza fit better with the Lakers than Artest. I'm not saying Ron was the right choice given his age and contract demands. My point is he deserves alot more respect than many fans give him for what he helped achieve with the Rockets. Like it or not folks, Artest helped do something T-Mac, Francis, Mobley and dozens of other players never could accomplish and was a factor is arguably the most important Rockets season in the last decade.
His numbers were significantly better once Martin showed up and Trevor was no longer forced to be a creating at the 2 spot, and opposing teams had to work on shutting down Brooks-Martin. I thought everyone knew that. I respect Ron, and if he was on any other team aside from LA, Dallas, or Utah, god knows I would cheer him, and he was integral in getting us past Portland. But against LA, he wasn't that great, and became downright terrible once Yao went down. I like Artest, and think he's a good guy, but I am super glad we got Ariza over him as he plays like utter crap for the Lakers.
