I was talking to someone today, and apparently I'm an idiot for not wanting to trade for Artest with Lamar Odom. Basically he said if we trade for Artest, we'd struggle initially because our PF spot would be weak, but once Bynum returns, we'd "dominate" because Artest will be an upgrade offensively and defensively. Basically he painted this picture in my head: pg: Fisher sg: Kobe sf: Artest pf: Gasol c: Bynum I go on to mention that Artest is overrated, he hasn't been good defensively since, I dunno, 3 years or so? Offensively he's a black hole, but the guy I was talking to didn't believe me, saying that Artest is a great three point shooter, he'll hit shots when he's open and take it to the rack or whatever. I go on to mention that Artest needs his touches on offense, and will chuck the ball to get them. He won't fit in with Bynum/Gasol/Kobe. He doesn't believe me, saying he is effective on offense so who cares STFU and suck Kobe's dick. I say ok. I forgot about this when I came home, but just checked the stats. Artest is averaging 14 shots per game, he's shooting 38% from the field (how effective is that LMAO!!!), 39% from beyond the arc. Beyond that, the Rocket's defense has been pretty poor this season, not to mention the fact that our second option, Pau Gasol, is only shooting the ball 12 times per game. So yeah, basically am I crazy for saying I don't want Artest on this team? I don't think he's a fit at all. I just texted the dude and gave him the stats or whatever, he backed off and said, well, he's still better than Luke, plus Phil can control him lol gtfo. And Luke, as much as he sucks offensively, is shooting 42% (lol). So technically he's more efficient than Artest offensively. And Adelman, the coach that Artest supposedly "respects" so much from Sacramento, hasn't been able to control his chucking. Artest, IMO, would be a horrible fit for the triangle, and the team in general. I'm glad we didn't get him in the offseason. So yeah, agree or disagree.
Brian in fairness to Artest he's been injured most of this year, and was also injured last year in Sac. He had 20 points in 18 minutes tonight. I think the Lakers would be just as good with Artest and possibly better if he could stay healthy. He's a perfect fit for the Triangle if he's willing to post up and I think he respects Kobe enough to play within his role. I still think there's a strong possibilty he ends up in LA next season.
I don't see how he'll end up in LA next year, you think we'd spend the MLE? You think Buss will allow it? Also, I didn't know Artest was injured. Neither does my friend, so I'm not bringing that up. So either way I'm still winning tomorrow, unless he figures out.
