Intercepted: Ron Artest traded to the Lakers...

Intercepted: Ron Artest traded to the Lakers...

YES <--- THAT Ron Artest. The gritty often confrontational defensive guru is now a Los Angeles Laker. What a difference the off season makes I guess. In exchange for Artest the Lakers sent the breakout forward Trevor Ariza, who was key in leading the Lakers throughout the playoffs to their championship, to Houston, a team that just got news that their star Yao Ming may need to undergo surgery on the foot he injured in the playoffs against the Lakers.
ESPN thinks this is a match made in heaven.

I however have my doubts. I don't doubt his ability, Artest is a defensive beast but he's also a handful and often unpredictable emotionally on the court. It's hard to rely on hot headed players in the NBA once the refs label them as a problem child they call them on everything.
But I will say this the NBA has just gotten even more exciting. Last week news of Shaq being signed by the Cavs made "Chocolate Shoulders" (nickname courtesy of Chrisette Michele) a little uncomfortable about that repeat Finals appearance everyone was predicting for the magic. And yesterday Ron Artest was added to an already potent and effective roster of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher & Andrew Bynum.

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