The thing with Artest is that he always seems to have a decent honeymoon period of a season or two. If he signs in LA, he won't act up for a couple seasons probably. At that point, LA would probably be looking to move on. I don't like the signing for that reason. Artest is a good player.
I realize this, that's why I wouldn't go so far to guarantee a title, I'm just stating that they're the clear-cut favorites, regardless of what Cleveland, Orlando and San Antonio have done, and regardless of whether or not Boston adds Rasheed.
Denial! Oh god whoever is hating on this just doesnt want to admit how awesome this is. Ron AND Kobe on D...holy crap. A healthy Bynum in the middle , Pau, and Odom?!?!? It makes me want to... [video=youtube;4pXfHLUlZf4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pXfHLUlZf4[/video]
Love the vid Rizzle. And this isn't going to blow up in the Lakers face. Ron and Kobe are pretty good friends, and Odom and Artest are close too.
everyone has an opinion. Whether you're making guarantees or statements, an opinion is all you've really got going. I'm sure that the opinions of many fans besides just me would disagree with you here. STOMP
So who do you think is going to stop the Lakers from winning another title? Cleveland? Orlando? Who? I'm just curious, because the only team I see close to the Lakers league next season is San Antonio, and they have to stay healthy for to do that, and that's been a battle in itself these past couple seasons.
who doesn't? Injuries derail contenders yearly Boston or San Antonio with Sheed, Cleveland & LA seem to have about equal shots now to me. If LA doesn't retain Odom I probably drop them from that mix. STOMP
If Odom leaves (which I don't see happening, there isn't a market for him), then I'd definitely drop them to just 2nd best in the West. Cleveland doesn't worry me. I don't really think Shaq is that good of a fit there because he's going to take up space where LeBron likes to operate, but who knows. Boston doesn't worry me too much right now, but if they get Sheed, they'd be my favorites in the East. However, I think the Lakers, with a full, healthy roster are a much better team than them. I also think that Artest will make the Lakers into a very, very formidable defensive team. The Spurs are the only team that really scare me. I think they've got 60+ win potential with a lineup of Parker/Gino/Jefferson/Duncan/who cares. Again though, they've gotta stay healthy. Ginobli has looked very frail over the past couple years and is just getting younger. Who knows though, he might come back after this long offseason and be healthy. If he is and can stay that way, they'd have a very good shot to derail the Lakers in the West.
the one problem I foresee with the Cavs is that this might force LeBron to get a perimeter game, and thats just what every team needs, him having more weapons in his arsenal
In order for LeBron to get a better outside game he's going to have to retool his jump shot. He's got some pretty ugly form with it right now, which is why he's so inconsistent. If he does add a jumper, more power to him, all the greats have to do it at some point to extend their career. I don't think he'll do it this year though. He'll find a way to work around Shaq taking up space, but I don't know if the Cavs will be better because of it.
we're gonna lol all the way to the 'ship Artest has never had so many great scorers around him...he will know his place
Legit question Rizzle...do you (or L*ker fans in general) consider Bynum a "great scorer"? Or is it just K*be and Gasol that you're counting? I wouldn't put Odom or Fisher in that category, myself.
LeBron shot 34% from deep this past year, Kobe shot 35%. Do you share similar concerns about Bryant needing to retool the ugly form on his J to be able to to work around space eating Bynum? Considering what they gave up and how well he played last year, Shaq's addition to the Cavs is a pretty big deal. For motivation, on top of coming to a legit contender and having his little ring race with Kobe, he's in a contract year... STOMP
I am hoping the people saying Artest will deep six the Laker's chances this year are correct. I just don't believe it myself. Artest in a 3 year, 18 million deal is a steal. It's actually the kind of deal Portland should make with a small forward. Further, Artest will behave for a year or two. If he doesn't, Jackson will just bench his ass and have done with it. If that happens, they are only paying out 6 million a year. Ariza wanted more for longer. I don't really see a downside to this deal from the Laker's standpoint. Every team has to take risks to get a title. I see this risk paying off for LA in a big way. And it really, really pisses me off.
Listen, if you want to believe that Phil Jackson can't handle Ron Artest, then keep living in your fantasy world. I have 2 words for you: Dennis Rodman. If Phil Jackson can keep him playing hard and not tearing the team up, I think Ron Artest will actually be simple for him to keep in line. He has the strong leadership up front with Kobe and Pau. Ron can just be a 3rd fiddle guy, which is what he actually loves to do.
And I have 2 words for you: Michael Jordan. Phil didn't keep Rodman in line, Jordan did. The question is whether Kobe can do the same.
Bynum has shown great strides until Memphis and Februarys come around (both injuries against MEM, both in Feb). I think Bynum CAN be a great scorer but with all the firepower the Lakers now have he wont be as needed for scoring. Im not sure what to think about how much of an impact Bynum will have on the offensive end. He will have several 30+ppg this year, but there are so many damn options hs scoring wont be that high, just his FG%
