Artest's deal not done but will be joining LA Lakers

According to multiple sources including ESPN's Marc Stein, "The Los Angeles Lakers and Artest have struck an agreement in principal on a multiyear contract that, according to sources close to the process, will total roughly $18.7 million over three years or $33.5 million over five years, depending on which contract structure Artest ultimately prefers."

In my opinion, I think the LA Lakers are off their rocker for not trying harder to sign Ariza. Artest is an excellent defender and a good player with a badass attitude but Ariza has all the potential and signs that he could be the next Ron Artest. Disagree? I also wonder how the Artest signing will affect Odom. I do believe if the Lakers sign Artest and resign Odom they will be better next season. Over and out.

Fuck Darko Milicic

-Beerman Posts

Ariza Leaving Lakers

"Trevor Ariza's short but sweet stay in Los Angeles might be coming to an end. The 24-year-old swingman, who played a key role in the Lakers' run to their 15th NBA championship, is on the verge of leaving the club, sources close to the situation said on Wednesday. With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers are currently unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception. "They're letting him go," one of the sources said (ESPN)."

This could mean the Lakers are much more focused on resigning Lamar Odom. If you talk to Laker fans they will tell you that this guy was their James Posey. It could really hurt the Lakers if he was to walk, but it looks like he will be asking for too much. Rumors are that the Cavaliers have been in talks with Ariza, and maybe they are offering more money. With Shaq on the squad it is obviously Cleveland is doing everything they can to build a championship team. Maybe this is the missing piece...