Keep eye on Sac/Artest to LA rumor

[JSD]

Reliable Sources say the Lakers offering Odom for Artest (and Kenny Thomas for cap reasons)

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/

[Donoghus]

It's Kenny Thomas, not Kurt.

[Cooldude5t5]

I think this is a mistake by LA. Odom is a better fit for their system. Who are there bigs after Gasol and Bynum. Turiaf is gone and Odom may be gone. Looks like we will be facing the Hornets in the finals instead.

[Chris]

This would be good and bad for us.  The good part is that makes LA a much better team (Artest is an upgrade over Odom, and gives them the toughness they need, and Kenny Thomas is a nice player off the bench).  The good part is it takes LA out of the running for Posey.

[libermaniac]

I think this is a mistake by LA. Odom is a better fit for their system. Who are there bigs after Gasol and Bynum. Turiaf is gone and Odom may be gone. Looks like we will be facing the Hornets in the finals instead.

I disagree.  With Bynum back, I can't see Odom, Gasol and Bynum together in the front court.  No shooters and no hard-nosed defender.  I think Artest, talent-wise, is a much better fit on LA.

[Simey1055]

Let's also not forget that Lakers can match the offer for Turiaf can be matched. Also if you watched the finals games except ofr few moments here and there Odom looked lost and could not defend anyone.  I would grab Artest if he is available.

[bleedingreen]

I think this is a mistake by LA. Odom is a better fit for their system. Who are there bigs after Gasol and Bynum. Turiaf is gone and Odom may be gone. Looks like we will be facing the Hornets in the finals instead.

I disagree.  With Bynum back, I can't see Odom, Gasol and Bynum together in the front court.  No shooters and no hard-nosed defender.  I think Artest, talent-wise, is a much better fit on LA.

agreed, also, odom is soft. Ron ron in L.A. though... interesting.

[Manzana]

Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant teammates.. hahahahaahhahahahahahahaahahahahaha.....

[Chris]

Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant teammates.. hahahahaahhahahahahahahaahahahahaha.....

I don't know why that is funny.  Those are two of the most competitive SOB's in the league.  Artest is the type of player who can change the attitude of that team, which should be scary for the rest of the league.

[RonJohn]

Can Ron behave where he is not the top dog? I am not sure.

[D Dub]

This would be a great move for LA.  With Bynum and Gasol, you have to either play Odom out of position at the 3 or bench him.

Also, this gives them the Defensive stopper they need.  Artest is the one guy in the league I can think of that has had success guarding Pierce 1 on 1.  Lets hope it doesn't go down...

[RebusRankin]

Sounds like a move proposed by Laker fans to be honest. Artest would really improve the Lakers but the chemistry as always would be an issue. Another question is can the Lakers afford to pay Walton and Ramonovich over 6 million each to warm the bench?

[Bankshot]

Let's also not forget that Lakers can match the offer for Turiaf can be matched. Also if you watched the finals games except ofr few moments here and there Odom looked lost and could not defend anyone.  I would grab Artest if he is available.

I hope they do match Turiaf.  He's not that good anyway.

[Vermont Green]

Artest, Gasol, and Bynum is a very formidable front line.  Can you imagine if they had Artest to cover Pierce in the Finals?

[wdleehi]

I don't think the Lakers trade Odom.  I think they let him expire right when Bynum gets his new contract.