When asked last week if he would accept a contending team's mid-level exception (MLE), Ron Artest said, "Not in a million years...not in 10 million years."
However, more recent reports (credible or not) have Artest now contemplating opting out after all by the June 30 deadline. He has apparently made a "100-degree turn," in his words. That's not a full 180—but it is over half-way there.
Does this possible change of heart mean he would accept the MLE? Or does it mean one team or another is willing to line him up with a sign-and-trade relocation opportunity? Who would have the wherewithal to entice the Kings, as well as Artest and his agent, to make a move?
Does his being "tight" with Kobe and Lamar Odom mean anything? He traveled to watch them play the Celtics more than once during the Finals—and after that, he should know now that they could really use him.
Artest is straight about rejecting any team's MLE, only a trade of L.O.'s expiring contract for Artest would seem to work. Would L.A. risk that? That expiring contract of Odom's is pretty valuable. And, he might be the starting point guard next season!
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Plus, Artest would want to play with both Kobe and Odom, right? Odom, who comes from the same parts as Artest, is an idol of his (that's right ... he said so).
To be realistic, and ruling out the Lakers, where could Artest end up? Can you see he and Wally Szcerbiak—along with his ridiculous, finally expiring contract—exchanging jerseys?
How about switching positions with Josh Howard? Or, how badly does Phoenix want to upgrade their defense? (But how badly does anyone want Boris Diaw or Leandro Barbosa?)
The Spurs could use him too, even if he is a bit outside their norm. But, who do they have to offer?
How about the New Orleans Hornets? They can let Jannero Pargo walk, and maybe have just enough to get it done—with their MLE and the $3 million received for their draft pick this year (and allowable for FA signing).
Would the Pistons even think about it? They certainly have the assets and the desire for a face lift.
What about the Nuggets? They had their chance this season. I doubt they get another. Charlotte apparently offered Gerald Wallace for T.J. Ford. Would the ex-King fetch Artest?
Sacramento will need a point guard after Beno Udrih signs elsewhere. Would Kirk Hinrich—alone, or with the seemingly expendable Tyrus Thomas—suffice to return Artest to the team that couldn't keep him the first time around?
Take a guess and check the first part—the opt-out part—of the answer on Monday. It still stands to reason that Artest plays out the final year in Sac-town—at least until February.
But, if he does spring, and you can't (or don't want to) picture him in Laker purple and gold, picture him in a Cavs, Mavs, Hornets, Pistons, Bobcats, or Bulls jersey instead. Can you stand it? Could he?
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6 months ago
Ron Artest on the Lakers= Guaranteed Championship!
6 months ago
haha Brandon. Man I am a huge Laker fan, and who ever was available I would start imagining him in a Laker uniform. But I have changed now, I used to dislike Phil as well, but now I atually get this triangle boring system, and I get the word TEAM, and what players, leaders, personalities, a team needs for it to be good overall... and we(lakers) are elite now. Its like last year I was so sad when Knicks pulled the trade for zach randolph, because I anted him in Laker town, but now I actually get that personalities really do matter. Us Lakers, the personalities of this team are soft and good individuals, except maybe Lamar Odom, who is tough...but everyone else is not mature and is on the bandwagon of good looking Luke Walton. And Bynum is the one who guarantees us a championship bot Ron Artest. I would still welcome ron if he ends up here, but we don't need him really. And I do hope the best for ron artest as well.
6 months ago
and Smith dude I loved the article dude
6 months ago
I meant Leonard Kalfayan
6 months ago
Good Read, Leonard. As a Lakers fan on one hand, I'm disappointed that the squad lost in the Finals. On the other hand, I realize that the Lakers are an elite team that is young and destined to learn from their mistakes and improve. I would love to have Ron Artest join the Lakers and I even wrote an article titled "Los Angeles Lakers: The Aftermath" and discussed this exact same issue. The fact of the matter is the Lakers are a young and talented team that was two wins away from a championship and it isn't time to do anything drastic. A few tweaks such as improvement and continued developement of the young players. If the Lakers can't resign Sasha Vujacic & Rony Turiaf, which I doubt, that would open up two spots on th roster. A veteran addition to the bench would be nice as well.
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