Trevor Ariza out, Ron Artest in: What Will It Mean for the Lakers

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

And if there is one person who can manage these two egos, it’s the Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who recently announced that he will return next season.

Maybe Jackson can use some of that Zen magic on Artest, enabling him to calm down just enough to fit into the team.

The reason L.A. let Ariza go and brought in Artest was so that he could add toughness to what most people view as a long, athletic, but not very physical team.

Teams that would pose a threat to a repeat Lakers’ championship next year are tough inside. The Celtics will have Kevin Garnett back; the Magic will still have Dwight Howard; and the Cavaliers will have Shaq.

The Lakers will need a strong guard to be able to drive to the hoop against them.

Additionally, during the Denver series this year, Bryant admitted that Carmelo Anthony was bigger and stronger than him.

Adding Artest to the team will help the Lakers in such matchups.

So, while this deal is a surprise, and it is hard to see Ariza leave L.A., acquiring Artest does have a positive side.

Now L.A. just has to hope that Artest can stay positive and out of trouble and maybe gain a little Zen.

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