CBSsports: Artest Signing With The Lakers

[Mexi]

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/15861966

Shaq can have LeBron. Ron Artest says he'll take Kobe.

Artest, whose versatility and toughness have made him one of the most coveted and combustible players in the NBA, told CBSSports.com Thursday that he's signing with the Lakers.

"I'm definitely going to L.A. -- to sign, yeah," Artest said in a phone interview. "Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I'm in L.A. right now."

Artest said he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss Thursday and previously had spoken with Lakers coach Phil Jackson. He was en route to his financial manager's office, where he planned to huddle on the phone with his agent, David Bauman, to finalize details.

Artest's exuberance -- he spent the whole summer in L.A., including several appearances at Lakers home games during the NBA Finals -- got ahead of the process a bit. Other teams that made overtures for Artest -- including the Cavaliers -- have not yet been notified that Artest is signing with the Lakers. (Consider them notified.) Bauman has spoken with Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, but parameters have not yet been agreed to. Still, it's pretty clear where Artest is going.

"I don't really care about the money," Artest said. "I'll play there for nothing. ... L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me."

 

[Pugz]

Champions again.

Before people say how will this work, Kobe and Ron are good friends so I don't wanna hear the go talk..

 

[dez]

DAMN!

Ariza who? lol

What about Odom? Id still try to bring him back if I were the Lakers, because I hear the Spurs are trying to make room to sign him, and they definently dont want to lose him to their biggest competition in the West.

 

[Mexi]

Lakers better keep Odom lol

I'm not jumping for joy yet.

 

[Whisper]

YESSSSSS!!! Like I said, GET YOUR MONEY ARIZA!! WE'RE GETTING ARTEST!! WOOOO!!!!

 

[dez]

Artest is getting the MLE right? so they still have CAP to sign LO. Mine as well throw him a generous deal since they're set now.

 

[The Young One]

Mitch kupchak is a amazing gm. That's all I can say. Im not gonna crown them champs yet. Artest could disrupt the flow.

 

[Pugz]

I would still try for LO, I mean that could be the championship teamf for 3 years if they get Artest and LO somewhat longterm.

 

[Mexi]

I updated the original post with an article.

i got to go, be back later when things cool, or get hot

 

[dez]

Im crowning them lol

All they did was upgrade at the starting SF position

Artest is a better defender, scorer, they're kind of equal when itcomes to shooting.

But Artest also brings that "Queensbridge toughness" lol

 

[Whisper]

One of the two weak spots for the Lakers just got upgraded big time. This definitely means Ariza is leaving, and like it has already been said, that means a nice raise for Odom which he definitely deserves. YESS!!!!!! The next move is now up to the coaching staff. All they gotta do is start Farmar at PG next year instead of Fish and I'd be hella <Censored>ing happy.

 

[elcheato]

Lakers won't win the title.

 

[The Young One]

Im honestly kind of shocked. I guess its the history and the chance to play for a title was too much to pass up.

LeBron has to feel pissed off.

 

[dez]

fck it, Lakers mind as well go for Kidd/Sessions too lol

Their on a roll, why not? lol

 

[Pugz]

If Kidd knows what's up, he'll take the MIN lol.

 

[The Young One]

If kidd signed there then it would officially be unfair.

 

[elcheato]

Kidd doesn't care about winning, hes talking to the Knicks. He just wants money.

 

[dez]

Well he could only get the MLE from us, and Dallas is offering 25mil for 3 years so the money isnt as big a deal

What happened to the avy cheato? lol

"Kobe to Artest for the 3... and he bricks it" lol but it would be the other wy around if he chose cleveland huh? lol

 

[elcheato]

He wouldn't be shooting 3's in Cleveland.
I hope Kidd enjoys the 30 win season.

 

[dez]

Lol your one funny dude.

I think you have officially earned the title of SI's biggest hater lol congrats.