Could the Lakers Be Interested in Artest in the Offseason?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Lakers appeared interested in forward Ron Artest earlier this season, but rumors could pick up this summer involving Los Angeles and the Kings, according to The Sacramento Bee.

Kobe Bryant has admitted that he wouldn't mind playing alongside Artest, and there is a growing belief that the strong personalities of Bryant and Coach Phil Jackson could help keep Artest in line.

As a restricted free agent, Ron would have to take a pay cut to the projected midlevel exception of approximately $5.6 million.

A sign-and-trade doesn't seem to make sense as the Lakers will likely be looking to unload a bad contract like Vladimir Radmanovic.</div>

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...st_this_summer/

I think this article is nothing more than speculation, I also highly doubt the Kings would allow us to unload a bad contract (like Vlady) on them in return for their superstar, but let's say a trade was available for Artest, would you guys be interested? Let's say, a Lamar Odom for Ron Artest swap. Would you guys be for it? Honestly, for me, if this was during the beginning of the season, I'd accept the trade in a heartbeat. But given the way our team is playing, and given the type of team chemistry we have on this roster, I'd be very skeptical about bringing someone like Artest aboard. Sure, he's a great talent, but he has the potential to blow up at any given moment. Whether that being him committing a stupid crime, asking for days off to promote his rap album, complaining about his touches, or getting himself suspended during a playoff series. I kind of think the risks outways the rewards at this point. Thoughts?

 

Would you be interested in an Artest for Odom swap?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lavalamp @ May 19 2008, 07:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Would you be interested in an Artest for Odom swap?</div>

Of course not.

We should get rid of Luke and Farmar as soon as possible, even Vladdy has impressed me more this season.

 

A year ago, I'd have been all for bringing in Artest. After this year, no way. Our team chemistry has been great all year, so why would you want to ruin that by bringing in Artest?

 

I don't think it is just about our chemistry, Odom has lost his mind as a player and is a great SF/PF now with Pau in the line-up. He also understands the Triangle to a better degree.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ May 20 2008, 11:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't think it is just about our chemistry, Odom has lost his mind as a player and is a great SF/PF now with Pau in the line-up. He also understands the Triangle to a better degree.</div>


don´t u guys think that LO is developing into a new Scottie Pippen.I would´t trade him, coz i think that LO starts to feel good in his role on that team and is one of our cornerstones.

 

I certainly wouldn't trade Artest for Odom. But if we could get him for Luke and Jordan, I'd pull the trigger.

 

Would you do Odom for Marion, Wade has played with Odom before and Odom played really well with him. I remember lots of people wanted to do this trade not long ago.

Marion puts up 20, 10, 2 blocks, 2 steals on a regular basis, and has been an allstar numerous times.

 

I also heard Marion acted like a diva, I'd decline that offer.

 

Odom really is a perfect fit for 3rd or 4th option. Marion may be a better player but he wouldn't fit to our system atm.