The trade was on point. I think Ariza was getting to big for his britches. He cant go to any team and start. Artest can. Ariza could'nt even start until mid way through the season. Yeah he made some key steal's in the post season, but as far as guarding a Melo or Turk that dude was getting worked. He didnt have to go but money talks and B.S walks. He should have swallowed his pride and road that pine for one two more years. Now he's leaving with just one ring. When he could've had 3 or 4. You tricked off your career Trevor by signing with Houston you should've went to cleveland smart guy!

Jul 3, 2009 -- 1:53PM, Basketballogy-WasTom7 wrote:

The Lakers may well win with Artest, but they didn't improve with these personnel moves.

During the 2009 NBA Playoffs...

Trevor Ariza shot 50% from the floor. Ron Artest shot 39%.

Trevor Ariza shot 48% from the arc. Ron Artest shot 28%.

Trevor Ariza made clutch defensive stops again and again for the Lakers. Ron Artest, a supposed lock down defender, made boneheaded decisions that resulted in technical fouls and ejections.

Trevor Ariza knows the intricacies of the triangle offense and is productive in it. Ron Artest doesn't, and frankly doesn't have a reputation for being the brightest bulb in the ceiling.

Trevor Ariza is young and getting better. Ron Artest is declining.

Ron Artest is a stronger BRAND name than Trevor Ariza, but Trevor is the better player -- especially for the Lakers.

What is Artest going to give the Lakers that Ariza couldn't? Defense? No, Ariza is perhaps the Lakers best defender. Shooting? Uh, no. Toughness? Sorry, Ariza has that too.

Think about it: when the Lakers lost to the Celtics, the chorus sang, "Wait until Andrew Bynum gets better!"

But this year, Bynum was a complete non-factor for the Lakers. The Lakers biggest improvement came at the 3 spot (small forward) when Trevor Ariza healed and began playing well on both ends of the court.

Conversely, more than any other Rocket, Artest hurt their playoff run. He killed the Rockets ball movement offense because over dribbled the ball constantly, especially late in the game, then hucked up poor shots against the shot clock and Lakers defense (often Trevor Ariza).

Again, the Lakers MAY still win with Artest, but they PROVED they can win with Ariza.

I agree with you that Ron Artest made some bone headed shots when he was trying to outshine Kobe.  But I don't blame him for taking so many shots since Houston's options were limited with McGrady and Ming out.  Artest is probably the only guy in the game that could keep Lebron and Kobe from shooting the lights out.  Lakers definately needed an improvement to have a chance to make it to the Finals again.  If it wasn't for Fishers last minute clutch 3 pointers, the series could of been much more difficult.

Yes ... how bout dem Lakers. Just win baby, just win!!!!!

I hope it works out for my lakers.

If Artest stay dirty it may help us stay on top. There is no trophy for 2nd place.