The L.A. & Ron Artest Experiment

Marcel Mutoni comments on Ron Artest's trade from the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Lakers: "When Ron-Ron got up in Kobe’s grill piece in last season’s NBA Playoffs, most Laker fans couldn’t possibly imagine this maniac joining their squad. What they may not have recalled was that the two players are actually quite friendly with one another (with Artest being something of a Mamba fanboy), and Bryant has wanted Artest on his team for years. Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers front-office made a bold move yesterday, dramatically altering the team’s identity by bringing in the ultimate wildcard, in a bid to repeat as champs while saving a buck or two. It is a high-risk, potentially high-reward gamble. It can also easily blow up in everyone’s face. As a Laker fan, I wasn’t initially pleased with the Ariza/Artest swap, but these are the cards we’ve been dealt and so must make do. But, let’s not kid ourselves. The cons of this move are plentiful: Ron can no longer truly be considered an elite defender (especially when dealing with super-quick wing players); he has a tendency to hog the rock; he will turn 30 this fall; the triangle offense is not easy to master; um, he’s RON FREAKING ARTEST; and did we mention that Pau Gasol was already feeling neglected before his team went out and added another shot-happy player? It’s not all bad, news, however. Artest averaged 17 and 5 per night last year, shot 40% from the three-point line, and is one of the League’s most competitive (and intimidating) forces. This experiment can work. But it will not be easy."

Mr. Mutoni offers tips for the new Laker: (1) this is Kobe Bryant's team; (2) Pau Gasol is the #2 man on the team; (3) listen to coach Phil Jackson; (4) he's not Dennis Rodman; (5) the triangle offense is his friend; (6) don't try to "hoodalize" any teammates; (7) stay away from childhood friend and now-teammate Lamar Odom off-court during the season; (8) don't let the city of L.A. go to his head; and (9) don't play the role of enforcer.