I think Kobe's and Phil's embracing of Ron's intensity will prevent locker room trouble. Phil knows how to deal with difficult personalities. He's dealt with Jordan, Rodman, shaq, Kobe - he can deal with Artest. The question will be if Artest actually has the skillz that the lakers need. I think artest is in decline and his D isn't what it used to be.
I agree. Ron still has game but the way He played last season showed that He lost a step. Defensively, He could not stay toe to toe against guys like Rudy Fernandez. In the playoffs, His shot was off and He had to depend on bruising his way in the paint.
