hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on Jul 2, 2009 21:19:47 GMT -5
Well, not technically, of course, but that does appear to be the end result. Artest is signing a three year deal with the Lakers, and Ariza is signing with the Rockets. There's obviously some risk involved here for the Lakers, but given that Ariza wanted more than the mid-level exception amount, this actually saves the Lakers money, and therefore seems like a no brainer. sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303862 |
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Jul 2, 2009 22:29:29 GMT -5
Post Moved into this thread - the Artest part of the below story fell through: |
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Jul 2, 2009 22:46:09 GMT -5
This is an upgrade for the Lakers and I liked Ariza's improvement--but Artest is a better defender, will bring toughness, and you don't lose much offensively. A guy like this coming in will keep things "lively"--not always positive--but a defending champ needs someone like this and if anything, I could see this being a move that keeps Phil Jackson around--due to the "Rodman" like factor Artest brings.
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Post by Coast2CoastHoya on Jul 12, 2009 10:14:40 GMT -5
I was thinking the same things as RDF. Only thing I worry about is whether Ron and Kobe can keep it copacetic. The defensive upside could be the Lake Show's ticket to two in a row.
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SFHoya99
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Post by SFHoya99 on Jul 12, 2009 11:41:17 GMT -5
This is an upgrade for the Lakers and I liked Ariza's improvement--but Artest is a better defender, will bring toughness, and you don't lose much offensively. A guy like this coming in will keep things "lively"--not always positive--but a defending champ needs someone like this and if anything, I could see this being a move that keeps Phil Jackson around--due to the "Rodman" like factor Artest brings. Talent wise, this is an upgrade. But fit wise, I'm not certain. Ariza was a great 3 pt shooter over their title run, and Artest is used to getting his shots where Ariza did not complain. It is probably an upgrade, but I could see it becoming an issue at some point. |
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Post by nashvillehoyas on Jul 12, 2009 18:16:27 GMT -5
The next order of business is for the Lakers to sign Lamar Odom.
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Post by HeartAttackHoya on Jul 13, 2009 10:53:02 GMT -5
anyway who watched artest this year knows this was trully NOT an upgrade. Artest's defense is grossly overrated. His on ball defense might actually be below average and his shot selection will drive a coach mad (and when you're shooting below 40% this is not a good thing). Factor all that in with potential chemistry problems etc, and you have to give a big thumbs down on this move in my opinion.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Jul 13, 2009 13:09:33 GMT -5
Maybe I will be proven totally wrong, but I actually think that in Artest's case, there's a method to his madness. I don't think he is just another of the egotistical, me-first, modern-day professional athlete.
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Post by Coast2CoastHoya on Jul 15, 2009 12:58:48 GMT -5
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hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on Jul 15, 2009 16:56:03 GMT -5
I'll be shocked if they don't. Ariza's agent has taken a lot of flak in LA for mishandling the Laker negotiations. That, however, pales in comparison to whatever it is that Odom's agent is doing, ignoring a $36 million offer from the Lakers while talking to teams that only have the mid-level exception available. It's also been reported that Odom wanted to accept the Laker offer, but the agent wouldn't let him. Lamar, take my advice. Send this guy packing before you are truly sorry you didn't. |
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