Ron Artest Goes Hollywood: A Lakers Necessity

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As a result, he was named 2004 Defensive Player of the Year for the tough in-your-face, trash-talking action. It is an important addition for the Lakers, who have being criticized for softness, before just managing to win its 15th title in franchise history. Early in the postseason, the Lakers had us guessing on if they were potent enough to win a title.

Most of last season, they relied on offense from Kobe’s unstoppable scowling and amazing shots or Derek Fisher’s electrifying deep bombs from downtown, rather than fixing defensive woes and solidifying weaknesses. By welcoming Artest, it will fortify fiascoes of the Lakers teetering defense, establishing developments defensively.

Not at all should fans worry about Artest’s selfishness or angry eruptions dividing a locker room of ambitious champs. Fact is, giving challenging assignments of defending preeminent players in the league, he handled each efficiently with ability to frustrate and forestall opponents. Not at all should fans worry about Artest’s relationship with Kobe.

Know that they’re a sterling tandem, as Kobe is known for his far-fetched scoring and Artest is known for his tight defense.

On the other hand, the Lakers are bound to lose Ariza, who contribute to their championship thrive. The Rockets are returning the favor to the Lakers of reaching an agreement with their former star by reaching one with Ariza, trading spaces and finding homes in opposite towns.

Without sturdy defense, the Lakers would have found it difficult winning a title, of which Phil Jackson would still have to wait for title No. 10, and Kobe would still have a burden on his shoulders that he can’t win without Shaq.

In the postseason, Ariza was the player who changed complexions of the game, like an energizer bunny who persist and urged defensive intensity with his quickness to strip away lose balls and had great awareness.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is elated to sign a defensive force as well as Artest. With the Lakers, there are greater chances of Artest capping his first championship. Rather than trying it over in Houston, he knows signing with the defending champs brings better luck.

Right now, the Rockets are being treated as patients and staying away from the courts due to injuries. Just a few days ago, reports confirmed they could be Yao-less next season, but are awaiting the prognosis on Yao Ming, who sustained a fracture in his left foot during the postseason.

Clearly, the Lakers are not refusing to give Artest a chance of playing alongside Kobe, but will brace the presence of the newcomer who has erased the poisonous modus out of his system, and translated his angry on the court by using his one-on-one method.

With the Rockets, Artest was on his best behavior, an explanation to why the Lakers ownership doesn’t have to hesitate in offering a deal.

Although, the infamous Malice at the Palace in 2004, when Artest crazily charged into the stands and attacked a spectator for hurling a glass of beer into his face that resulted in a 73 game suspension for the harshest punishment in the NBA history.

Later, Artest demanded a trade from Indiana after upsetting his teammates. From Hoosier town, he was dealt to the backyard of Arnold Schwarzenegger and served as a Sacramento Kings forward at the state capital of California.

From a bitter closure with the ownership in Sacramento, he than flew into Houston and messed with Texas a full season.

But now, Artest goes Hollywood to create an ideal story.

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