Artest Available?

Ron Artest has decided not to opt out of his current contract with the Sacramento Kings, a decision that has fueled rumors that the 28-year-old forward could be moved by the club.  Los Angeles is a possible destination for Artest and the Lakers would have to consider a deal.  Artest visited the Lakers’ locker room during the NBA Finals and has spoken highly of Lakers players in recent weeks.

GM Mitch Kupchak has to consider this option.  It would likely take trading Lamar Odom to get Artest in a Lakers uniform, but that may be worth it.  Artest is one of the elite perimeter defenders in the NBA and would give the team a toughness they seemed to lack in the NBA Finals against the Celtics.  Paired with Kobe Bryant, the Lakers would have two of the best perimeter defenders in the league.  Consider the fact that Andrew Bynum should be a defensive force inside, and it’s apparent that the Lakers would have addressed what appeared to be their biggest deficiency this season.  Artest has had his problems, but you cannot deny his ability to defend or his willingness to give 100 percent on the court.  Artest would bring more than just defense to the team; he averaged more than 20 points per game this past season and can knock down outside shots.  Bynum’s return would also shift Odom back to small forward, where he’s less effective, and just happens to be Artest’s natural position.

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