The Rockets lost Ron Artest to the Lakers earlier today, so I guess they decided, what the hell, let's raid the Lakers for retribution.
The Rockets got a verbal commitment from Trevor Ariza this evening, who is likely to make more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception that the Lakers were likely going to offer him. The contract details haven't come out yet.
The sad thing is that he might be their leading scorer for a fair amount of the season. That Rockets team went from up and coming to screwed in just a few weeks.
He's taking about the same amount of money to sign with the Rockets - a team on the decline with the loss of Artest, Yao to injury, and potentially T-Mac instead of the Lakers - defending champions and a team that was not going to get any worse, and was already Vegas' favorite to win the championship in 2010. I don't know who to blame for this, him or his agent.
I AM BURDENED WITH A HEAVY HEART ON THIS DAY THAT WE ARE CELEBRATING SO BLISSFULLY,FOR WE HAVE LOST A LAKER FAVORITE WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. EVERYTIME I SEE ARIZA IN A ROCKET UNI. A BATTLE BETWEEN MY HAPPINESS FOR THE LAKERS AND MY SADNESS AT THE LOSS OF ARIZA WILL BEGIN!! GOOD LUCK ARIZA AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES BRO'
He's taking about the same amount of money to sign with the Rockets - a team on the decline with the loss of Artest, Yao to injury, and potentially T-Mac instead of the Lakers - defending champions and a team that was not going to get any worse, and was already Vegas' favorite to win the championship in 2010. I don't know who to blame for this, him or his agent.
LA really didn't make him feel like he was going to be a part of something this season. They didn't really do jack squat since they won the title, knowing Ariza's contract was up. He felt he deserved a little more credit than what they were going to give him, and even that really wasn't brought on the table. So he jammed. The Lakers organization, ironically being in the City of Angels, are not angels. They can be jerk-offs. That's why many prized players decided to give them the middle finger.
Ariza is a stopper, and while he and the Rockets won't be considered title contenders this year I really think in the long run that LA is going to regret this move, especially when/if Phil retires and they find out that a guy like Kurt Rambis won't be able to control Ron-Ron.
Ariza is a stopper, and while he and the Rockets won't be considered title contenders this year I really think in the long run that LA is going to regret this move, especially when/if Phil retires and they find out that a guy like Kurt Rambis won't be able to control Ron-Ron.
i can't imagine Artest staying cool during one of Kobe's timeout rants-- especially for 82+ games...
LA really didn't make him feel like he was going to be a part of something this season. They didn't really do jack squat since they won the title, knowing Ariza's contract was up. He felt he deserved a little more credit than what they were going to give him, and even that really wasn't brought on the table. So he jammed. The Lakers organization, ironically being in the City of Angels, are not angels. They can be jerk-offs. That's why many prized players decided to give them the middle finger.
I can't believe the Lakers are doing this Sh%#t!!!! Ron Artest of all People??!!! They need to keep Ariza and let the pit bull go elsewhere!!! I am soo DISAPPOINTED!!!!!
Ariza was leaving the Lakers because they were offering him no more than the MLE but yet he signed with the Rockets for 5yrs and the MLE. Am I missing something?
Ariza was leaving the Lakers because they were offering him no more than the MLE but yet he signed with the Rockets for 5yrs and the MLE. Am I missing something?
Either he
1) Didn't properly judge his value on the open market
or
2) Knew the Lakers were going after Artest and wanted to make it seem like he was leaving on his own so as not to be tainted by the "unwanted" label.
Either way, I don't blame him. He was a free agent and it is his right to go after as much money as he can potentially make.
1) Didn't properly judge his value on the open market
or
2) Knew the Lakers were going after Artest and wanted to make it seem like he was leaving on his own so as not to be tainted by the "unwanted" label.
Either way, I don't blame him. He was a free agent and it is his right to go after as much money as he can potentially make.
#1. Ariza is a younger saner, but less developed version of Artest anyway, a 3 who can guard multiple positions and get energy buckets. Artest can score in a few more ways than Ariza and is an underrated passer.
#2. LA is in win now mode, their 3 best players are in there 30's, also Fisher is 34 and slowing a bit so Ariza's youth is nice but the nucleus of the squad is likely to be gone in 3 or so years.
#3. The Rockets scared LA and so in nabbing Artest not only did they strengthen themselves but weakened the Rockets
Laker fans will be disappointed when Artest hits the floor. He may be a decent defender, but he is selfish on the offensive end and will waste chances for Kobe and the rest of the team.
Ariza is a player on the rise.
After 2009, the Rockets will be inposition to add some serious talent around him.
The Lakers won't get past Cleveland in '09.
Artest is a cancer and the Lakers, while on paper may be tough, will have serious problems coming together with the egos in the locker room.
#1. Ariza is a younger saner, but less developed version of Artest anyway, a 3 who can guard multiple positions and get energy buckets. Artest can score in a few more ways than Ariza and is an underrated passer.
#2. LA is in win now mode, their 3 best players are in there 30's, also Fisher is 34 and slowing a bit so Ariza's youth is nice but the nucleus of the squad is likely to be gone in 3 or so years.
#3. The Rockets scared LA and so in nabbing Artest not only did they strengthen themselves but weakened the Rockets
Artest is a bricklayer, not a scorer.
Watch the games after Yao went down. He maybe had one good game.
This will blow up on the Lakers. They outsmarted themselves.
Watch the games after Yao went down. He maybe had one good game.
This will blow up on the Lakers. They outsmarted themselves.
You do realize the Lakers don't necessarily need his offense as much as you think, right? Artest is just a bulldog in a pit out there on the court. He wants a ring just as badly as anyone without one. Do you honestly think he doesn't realize he must make sacrifices as well?
I used to hate the guy, but now I'm starting to realize that he's just all about his team and his fellow teammates. What's most interesting about the de facto trade involving Ariza and Artest is that they are almost polar opposites.
Both bring various offensive abilities to the table that basically create a wash.
I fully believe the Lakers made a necessary move. If they are successful in re-signing Lamar Odom, trust me when I say more than one person will put us as favorites to repeat.
You do realize the Lakers don't necessarily need his offense as much as you think, right? Artest is just a bulldog in a pit out there on the court. He wants a ring just as badly as anyone without one. Do you honestly think he doesn't realize he must make sacrifices as well?
I used to hate the guy, but now I'm starting to realize that he's just all about his team and his fellow teammates. What's most interesting about the de facto trade involving Ariza and Artest is that they are almost polar opposites.
Both bring various offensive abilities to the table that basically create a wash.
I fully believe the Lakers made a necessary move. If they are successful in re-signing Lamar Odom, trust me when I say more than one person will put us as favorites to repeat.
That's a fair assessment, but Artest WANTS to be more involved than the Lakers will want him to be. He was selfish in Houston, especially after Yao went down.
I see chemistry problems in La where Artest thinks he's the toughest guy whose seen it all, and Kobe already holds the keys to the franchise.
Time will tell.
If LA signed Artest to get him away from Houston, they made a big mistake.
That's a fair assessment, but Artest WANTS to be more involved than the Lakers will want him to be. He was selfish in Houston, especially after Yao went down.
I see chemistry problems in La where Artest thinks he's the toughest guy whose seen it all, and Kobe already holds the keys to the franchise.
Time will tell.
If LA signed Artest to get him away from Houston, they made a big mistake.
Kobe and Ron are actually good friends off the court. Respect fills any void that the media might portray. Everything you see on TV isn't the real situation because a person's best friend becomes their biggest rival on the court. Not saying the two are the best of friends, but now that they are teammates, I believe forging ahead will be the first matter that is resolved.
Besides, Artest was at most if not all of the Lakers home playoff games after the Rockets were eliminated. He's seen championship caliber play in person, and now his sense of smell for an NBA championship will be as keen as a bear.
I'm super passionate about my teams, and if this doesn't work out like I hope it will, believe me when I say it's going to be a bitter pill to swallow.
I AM BURDENED WITH A HEAVY HEART ON THIS DAY THAT WE ARE CELEBRATING SO BLISSFULLY,FOR WE HAVE LOST A LAKER FAVORITE WHO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. EVERYTIME I SEE ARIZA IN A ROCKET UNI. A BATTLE BETWEEN MY HAPPINESS FOR THE LAKERS AND MY SADNESS AT THE LOSS OF ARIZA WILL BEGIN!! GOOD LUCK ARIZA AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES BRO'
GR8 COMMENT! Sad how business spits on loyalty. Oh Well. Thanks for the positive comment.
noooooooooooooo!!!!!! ugh this is just messed up now. and the cavs might end up wih rondo.
Where in the world are you hearing this????? Cleveland has nothing and I mean nothing the Celts would want (besides Lebron of course). I would love to hear the source of this rumor.
The Rockets went from a "team" to a "nobody" in 1 day.
Don't lose hope like that... geez, it's only July. Still a good 4- 4 1/2 months left to even make moves, and beyond that, they can always formulate some sort of a package for a deal.
Don't lose hope like that... geez, it's only July. Still a good 4- 4 1/2 months left to even make moves, and beyond that, they can always formulate some sort of a package for a deal.
You're right and I hope you're right. I was just saying as of right now. I hope Yao and Tracy both getter better real soon.
Laker fans will be disappointed when Artest hits the floor. He may be a decent defender, but he is selfish on the offensive end and will waste chances for Kobe and the rest of the team.
Ariza is a player on the rise.
After 2009, the Rockets will be inposition to add some serious talent around him.
The Lakers won't get past Cleveland in '09.
Artest is a cancer and the Lakers, while on paper may be tough, will have serious problems coming together with the egos in the locker room.
GO ROCKETS!
are you serious, you a rockets fan and actually believe that BS you just typed. artest an offensive ball hog GTFOH. Clelevelan better worry about the east not the west.
Must be other moves coming. Wouldn't be surrpised if Battier is dealt
There are other moves coming GM Daryl Morey had originally focused heavily on Marcin Gortat, but refused to overspend on him, amongst others attracting attention include: Chris Andersen, Brandon Bass, Marion, Powe, Gooden, Warrick, Williams, Jones, May, Green, Smith, Kleiza, Lee, McCants, Nesterovic, Pachulia and the big prize [if Rasheed is going to the Celtics] - Hedo Turkoglu, [if he is not a Trailblazer] who is one of only 5 players in the NBA to average at least 19.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. The Rockets also have to make a decision regarding Wafer.
Orlando's losing Gortat as a restricted free agent can be traced, at least in part, to the fact they have already exceeded the expected luxury tax threshold with only eight signed players. If Gortat is to receive a full mid-level exception, $5.6 in the first year last season, it would have cost the Magic a minimum of $11.2 million in tax and salary the first season to match an offer. Morey and Adelman seemed not to believe Artest was worth the money he was seeking. They perhaps may have considered that even if they could get him at their price but considered what his attitude might be if he felt underpaid or unappreciated. One mitigating factor with Artest in LA is he and Odom, both Queens natives, have been friends since their early teens when they were AAU teammates.
Let's remember the cap number is headed down again so some of the "Jerome James" level boneheaded exorbitant, unjustifiable deals might not materialize, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Memphis Grizzlies have plenty of room and they may be players in free agency. Though the Thunder don't seem very eager to throw their money around it's believed that if Millsap can be had at around 9-10 million range per annum he may land in OKC. With all the point guards drafted what may be somewhat downplayed is that Andre Miller and Mike Bibby are very solid options and could be vital pieces for the right team.
hows that rondo to cleveland thing supposed to go down again.............................
the cavs offered him a deal that was more than the deal he had with the celtics so i think theyre gonna switch him with one person from he cavs but the cavs coach has not decided yet. oh and the lakers and rockets just made a switch with artest and ariza and hedo turkoglu is now with the raptors
I can't believe the Lakers are doing this Sh%#t!!!! Ron Artest of all People??!!! They need to keep Ariza and let the pit bull go elsewhere!!! I am soo DISAPPOINTED!!!!!
and what? u think the rockets fans are happy and were happily eating lollipops?!?!?!?!!!!!