Would it be a gamble worth taking for the Los Angeles Lakers if they are going to include Ron Artest in their franchise? Getting Artest from the Sacramento Kings would definitely mean Lakers will have to let go some of their guys. There are rumors around that LA is offering Lamar Odom but the Kings will only agree if LA will also let Kenny Thomas, and the $18M still owed to him, off from the Kings roster. Now that's where the complication enters.
If ever the rumored trade will happen, what the Lakers franchise will have to observe and understand is that if their superstar Kobe Bryant can build a good chemistry with Artest? Well here are some points that LA can expect from Ron-Ron:
- An excellent 3-point shooter. Artest can also create off the bounce by driving either way with equal success and equal intensity. If he'd rather cross over left-to-right, he can spin, pull, and shoot heading in the opposite direction just as effectively.
- When he's on his feet, Artest is an absolutely fearless lock-down defender, plus he's adept at ripping wayward handles and at poaching the passing lanes. It's no secret that his aggressive, intimidating defense against small forwards and power forwards, as well as many shooting guards, is precisely what the Lakers need to win the very last game of the season.
- A powerful and resourceful scorer in the low post. Also better offensive than defensive rebounder.
- A willing and semi-accurate passer who tends to make poor decisions with the ball.
If Lakers can dish-off Odom then I believe it would be better if they will have to let go of Radmanovic and Walton as well. Shake the roster and hope for a better one.
Obviously this rumored trade is a gamble for the Lakers; it's a risk. If I can say something to the Lakers then I would definitely say take the risk. It will worth it.
