CBSsports.com is reporting Ron Artest is saying that he will sign with the Lakers and leave the Houston Rockets. The latest rumor was that LeBron was recruiting Artest. Artest had texted ESPN.com saying “I’m happy to say I’m going to L.A”

Artest’s decision to leave Houston was made when Yao Ming’s injury status was announced. Artest had realized that he would be the only scoring option on a average Rockets team, and you thought it couldn’t get worse in Houston.

The Lakers get a very talented player in Artest who I consider one of the best defenders on the league. With Kobe Bryant and company you’re talking about a favorite to repeat. This basically eliminates the idea of Trevor Ariza coming back. Now the Lakers will have to decide whether to resign Lamar Odom. With Odom, Artest, Kobe, Gasol and any point guard, this squad will be virtually impossible to guard.

This makes the Lakers a favorite over the Spurs who just got Richard Jefferson, and the Cavs and Magic who just made big moves of their own.