With the addition of Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers basketball roster, sports fans are more excited to see how well he would relate to their new NBA team.
It cannot be denied that, to penetrate the most prestigious basketball association in the world; one must have talent. But talent alone can’t win championships, as most sports fans believe. A talented player must also fit in effectively with the team’s basketball roster. And that’s what LA Lakers fans are yearning to see as the season kicks off with Ron Artest in their fold.
Ron Artest is a player who has a very good work ethic, a never-give-up attitude and an unpredictable personality on the court that keeps his guards guessing what move he will make next.
This 6’7, 260-pound frame, with burning muscles, is already a 12-year NBA veteran with the following season averages: 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3. assists, 2.1 steals; in addition to these were his numerous All-Star Game appearances, several All-Defensive Team memberships, and a Defensive Player of the Year award.
Artest, who was acquired from the Houston Rockets’ basketball roster, will join the Lakers’ elite cast of guards such as Kobe Bryant, Derrick Fisher, Lamar Odom and Paul Gasol. The addition of Ron Artest to the Lakers’ roster will allow them to play against small lineups of brilliant NBA teams.
The length of Gasol and Odom, putting on the ruffian strength of Artest, may very well match the Boston Celtics’ lineup of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace.
On the other hand, Phil Jackson can also go big with a very intimidating force defensively in newly signed Shannon Brown; add in Artest-Bryant-Gasol-Bynum belittling a potential Cleveland basketball roster of O’Neal, Williams, West, James and Varejao.
It is a fact that versatility was the key in his championships in the 2008-09 title run with Trevor Artiza still playing in Artest’s current position now. So, already there will be a reinvention of plays and tricks. This will definitely give the Lakers a new look.
Artest is obviously in love with his new LA LAKERS team. However, LAKERS fans are sure to love Ron Artest soon. The Lakers team will surely miss Ariza on their basketball roster. This lanky forward played an important role in the Lakers’ title win.
On the other team’s side, Artest will definitely be a big loss to the Houston Rockets. He is the second main offensive option after Yao Ming. However, life goes on with their separate careers.