So Ariza is pissed that the Laker's only offered him the $5.6 and now is talking to the Cavs.  Ron Artest is also a free agent and is talking to them.  So who should they fight harder for?

I personally think it'd be hilarious for Ariza to come to the Cavs.  But ultimately, I think Artest would be the better edition.

I agree, with his experience and defense. Shaq and Lebron could work together to keep him in line. But ESPN reported that if it came down to Los Angeles and Cleveland for Artest, he would pick the Lakers because "Los Angeles was a better city than Cleveland." I guess that means it's a better party town plus the weather is better. Winter breezes off the Pacific are easier to handle than winter gales off Lake Erie.

-- Modified on 7/2/2009 3:22:35 PM

to say the least, with the acquisitions of Cleveland and Orlando, plus the upheaval in Detroit. Boston is said to be looking at Rasheed Wallace, along with San Antonio. He'll be a good fit at either place and both teams have the necessary players/coaches to convince him to clean up his act and not be as disruptive as he was in Detroit and Portland.

Great players don't get traded 4 times in 5 years. He's a nice player, end of story. Artest could really be motivated to win a championship with LeBron and Shaq. I vote with Tasha on this one.

I'm for anything that weakens the Lakers and drives Kobe into another one of his "make the team better or else" rants.

agreement to go to the Lakers, 3-years deal, 18M. Don't think Ariza will be going back there now.

There are a few players in every sport that can bring a team down faster than building them up. Artest is one of them....On second thought, Lakers, sign him.

Artest won't be a problem. Doesn't anybody remember Rodman playing with Jordan? Doesn't anyone remember the wedding dress? Jackson wants his 4th threepeat.

Artest is a much better player than Ariza. Ariza was basically the 5th option in the Laker offense. No one guarded him, hence he should make 40% of his 3s. I like Ariza. He is young and long, and the Lakers were perfect for him. Next year teams will pay attention to him. If he is asked to become the 2nd or 3rd option, he will have difficulty.  

Artest's main problem on the court is technicals, but hey, he doesn't even come close to Rasheed Wallace in that stat. I assume the Lakers ran the Artest move past Kobe.

I just want the Lakers to sign Odom. He is a one of kind at 6-10, long, can rebound, shoot 3s, run the offense, and he is a positive influence in the locker room.

The Zen Master is the key here.  Remember what he said about Kobe?  He got Kobe to finally play it right with less talented individuals than him.  Artest was able to be cool playing for Adelman... imagine how he could be for Jackson, who is basically one of the five best NBA coaches ever (some would say THE best), and with the motivation of joining the prohibitive favorite to repeat as champion?  

Damned right he will keep his mouth shut.  His ego is too big to blow it.

I hate the Lakers.  They are the NY Yankees of the NBA.

Artest WAS a cancer but seems to have calmed down. He did not cause trouble in Sacramento or Houston. He gets a lot of T's on the court....but so does Kobe.

Yeah, the Lakers are taking a chance, but with Ariza out the door, kudos to Kupchak for filling his spot with a more talented player.