Los Angeles Lakers Equation: Lamar Odom + Trevor Ariza = Ron Artest?

Ariza plus Odom equals Ron-Ron?

It's not official whether Lamar Odom is leaving L.A., but it's not official whether Lamar Odom is staying in L.A. either. That's why the answer to this question could either be good or bad for the Lakers.

Good, if Odom stays and the equation in the end would be Lakers subtract Ariza plus Ron Artest.

Then that would mean we would still have the versatility of Odom who can defend, post-up, shoot three's consistently, and average these numbers in a nightly basis: 15.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists a contest.

We will also have an upgrade in Ron Artest due to his more tenacious defense and better productivity. Ron averages 16.1 points, 2.1 steals, and 5.1 rebounds a game, becoming part of a group that averages those numbers in their career that included Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, and Rick Barry.

His also a former all-star and Defensive Player of the Year.

On the other hand, bad if Odom leaves and the equation would be Ariza plus Odom equals Ron Artest.

The Los Angeles Lakers already lost one of the main components to their championship formula. If they would lose Odom because of the Ron Artest trade then I'm not sure the Lakers would be the team to beat coming into next season.

The Spurs are rejuvenated, The Cavaliers are hungry, The Magic have a few tricks up their blue-sleeves, and the Celtics just don't like the Lakers. Simple and Plain.

Don't forget we don't know if Ron Artest will be able to fully accept his role as a Laker.

He is like bomb waiting to explode. When you see those creepy eyes of his you never know what will happen. ( Side Note: I would not feel comfortable being in a room alone with Artest, he just has this killer vibe that I feel when I watch him. Call me paranoid, but that's what I perceive when I see him play.)

Of course Lamar Odom will likely stay with the Lakers, but anything can happen within the confines of the NBA.

Lamar have spoken outwardly towards his willingness to take a pay cut to play with the Lakers. Would he be speaking true of those words if another team would be willing to pay him a significant amount that is much more than the Lakers would be willing to offer him?

These are just two ways you could look at the Ron Artest trade. A loss for the Los Angeles Lakers or an upgrade for the Championship team.