Thanks Dude for this group,

I think when "head cases","problem children" or other "implements of destruction" assimilate into situations where they are not the "show", but just one of the lights of the show that could be replaced at anytime, they have a tendency to fall in line.

We won without Artest. It might have been different if he had come before Ariza and after the Boston debacle,but hes coming after another NBA Banner will be hoisted.
We could've won without him this year. It is possible that Farmar, Vu, and Bynum could all have hit their potential and have great years further destroying this league.

He has to realize what rung of the pole hes on. There is Phil/Kobe-Gasol-Fish-LO-----(Luke)???? just kidding bout Luke. Artest will be the 3rd-4th option at times unless hes with the 2nd unit.
I think he gets that.....
If he doesn't, he will spend the year in Phil's meditative dog house. Ya know vey few are heard from again when that happens.
lmao
Ask Vlad

I agree that the Lakers are a good fit for Artest and their chances of repeating are greater than with Ariza. My only concern is why did Artest approach Phil Jackson in the shower? That's kinda creepy if you ask me. I mean, I hope Phil wasn't actually showering when Artest approached him. Talk about an awkward moment that would have been.

I would really like to know what happened between Ariza and the Lakers durring this contract situation. After everything I read, I get the impression he was lead astray by his agent,a little immature about it all, and his ego had gotten the best of him. He drastically improved this season, but was still an 11,3,2 player wanting some pretty serious scratch. He winds up going to a team in serious trouble with the Yao and T-Mac injuries for the same amount of money he could have had on a championship team where he was just growing into his own.
From my limited opinion..."Trevor, get a new agent"....FAST!!

I thought Lady Luck smiled on the Lakers when they got Gasol....now they turm around and get Artest too. WOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!

I find the shower room meeting w/ PJ interesting.Dude wants a chip really bad!! Ron has been through enough in his career to see the light. He'll be focused,serious, and in control as a Laker. He respects Kobe and Phil, wants a title, and knows this is his chance. I look for a huge season from him and the Lakers as well.
65+ wins and another parade down Figueroa next June.

LOL...indeed Tom7
I have seen a story where RA got into the Lakers locker room after Game 6 in Boston and said the same thing to KB-as KB was showering. I thought the stories were crossed up but it appears RonRon is doing Jedi mind tricks on arena security personnel.
The more I see on Artest, the more I believe he will be a big hit in the Laker Nation. I shudder to think of the alternative...his coming at us as a Calve or wearing puke green. At minimum, better with us than agin us. Back when they had berserkers, it was probably better to be a Viking.

Fire it up Ron! Bang that shield and let us hear your war yell!

Ariza leaving is bittersweet. I loved his attitude, his work ethic, and his limitless potential. He will be missed and I hope after his five year deal expires when he's 29 and Artest is in his mid 30's, he'll come back to play for the Lakers a la Derek Fisher.

The triangle allowed Ariza's style of play to flourish and it will do the same for Artest.

The Lakers continue to get better and we should generate another three-peat no questions asked.