NBA Rumors: Would Ron Artest for Lamar Odom Work?

With all the speculation of Ron Artest heading to the Lakers and Lamar Odom heading to the Kings, there is one common question: Would the trade of Artest for Odom fit both teams?

The truth is that it would help both teams improve in things that they lack. The Lakers lack a real defensive presence, and the Kings lack a rebounder.

In LA, Ron Artest could bring the defensive intensity like he did with Sacramento, and you add in about 20 points per game, and you have a Lakers team that has the potential to win the championship.

Artest is the league's best defender and can also give you about six rebounds per game. Ron Artest has told the media that he would love to play for Phil Jackson.

Artest would fit into the Lakers’ triangle offense and can be a three point threat (37 percent from three last year). Look for the Lakers to win it all

Lamar Odom is a great fit for the Kings because he is a rebounder, something the Kings have lacked ever since Vlade Divac left the team for the Lakers.

Odom could give the Kings about nine rebounds per game and 22 points per game in his natural small forward position. Odom would fit in Reggie Theus' system because he is an aggressive defender (but not even close to Artest).

Look for the Kings to actually be above .500 this year.

The only thing that would stop the Kings from trading Artest to the Lakers is because it would be helping a team in their division.

If the Lakers were going to take on the contract of Kenny Thomas, then it would be a done deal with Artest and Thomas to LA for Odom. 

Since Artest is losing trade value everyday for his rants on the Kings membership, and Thomas, who hasn't played a game since pre-season of '07, (but put up remarkable numbers in '06 regular season, 9.6 points per game and seven rebounds per game), look for the Kings to deal Artest and Thomas for Odom.