Report: Artest joining Lakers
Basketball Betting Lines
07/02/2009 -
Los Angeles, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Free agent forward Ron Artest is
reportedly leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers and will
provide the team with more offensive firepower next season, as he'll join Kobe
Bryant and Pau Gasol on the defending NBA champions.
Artest told CBSsports.com via text message he was in Los Angeles to join the
Lakers and didn't "care about the money" and that he would "play there for
nothing."
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers could finalize a deal with the
29-year-old that will pay him the full mid-level exception, possibly $32
million over five seasons. It would represent a pay cut after Artest made $7.4
million last season.
Even if the two sides were to reach an agreement soon, no deal could be
officially announced until July 8, per league rules.
The Thursday news regarding Artest came on the same day another superstar had
an introductory press conference. Ex-Laker Shaquille O'Neal met the media in
Cleveland and said he wanted to "win a ring for The King" in reference to his
new pairing with reigning MVP LeBron James.
Artest spent last season with the Rockets, helping Houston get to the
conference semifinals for the first time since 1996-97. After spending three
seasons in Sacramento, Artest averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3
assists in 69 regular season contests with Houston.
For his career, spanning 12 seasons, Artest has game averages of 16.1 points,
5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists with Chicago, Indiana, Sacramento and Houston. He
has also established himself as one of the top-flight defenders in the league.
In another twist, the man Artest would replace in the lineup -- Trevor Ariza
-- reportedly was offered a contract by the Rockets. The LA Times reported
that Ariza, who was instrumental in the Lakers' playoff run to the title, was
offered a contract near the value of the mid-level exception.
Ariza averaged 11.3 points per game in the postseason after posting 8.9 points
per game in the regular season. His career scoring average is 6.9 points.
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