Artest Trade Rumored Again

The Ron Artest trade rumors are swirling again and it’s been reported by the Sacramento Bee that the Lakers have offered Lamar Odom for the 28-year-old forward.  The Kings are apparently insisting that the Lakers also take Kenny Thomas (and the $18 million remaining on his terrible contract) in the deal.  This signals that the Lakers don’t think their current lineup is ready to take the next step, as in winning an NBA championship.  The Odom for Artest swap gives the Lakers a different dimension and could improve the team in a number of facets.

Artest is an elite perimeter defender, he can knock down shots and he can create his own shot.  He’s not an offensive juggernaut, but he did average 20 points per game last season.  Odom is more effective when he plays the power forward position, which he did for much of last season.  The return of Andrew Bynum, though, will shift Gasol to the four and Odom to the three, which he is capable of playing, but is a role in which he’s less effective.  Artest, however, is a natural small forward and would fit right in to the Lakers’ starting lineup.  He and Kobe would form the best defensive tandem on the perimeter and he’d provide toughness to a team that was exposed for being a bit soft in the NBA finals.  He’d also allow Bryant to guard the second best perimeter scorer on the opposing team, leaving him more energy for the offensive end.  It’s a risky move considering Artest’s tendency to do crazy things and Thomas’ contract, but it could lead them to a title.

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