I read that the Lakers and Rockets are discussing a sign and trade exchange with Artest and Ariza.
This would be a smart move for both teams as it would preserve both teams Mid Level Exception.
Obviously, since both players have committed to the MLE, their salaries are equal.
Though I think the Lakers will be done once LO is brought back (hopefully), I'd be interested in hearing how some of you think we may be able to make this team even better.
I think we could stand improvement at both the 1, though I know the Lakers will not move Fish (nor would I want them to), and I think with Fish, SB and Farmar, we may be in the best position we've been in for years at the 1, and at the 3, perhaps a more athletic player backing up Artest.
I like Luke a lot, but at times, he is physically and athletically overmatched.
He does have of a lot of positives he brings to the table though.
Assuming we do this sign and trade, I don't see the Lakers making any additional moves besides the aforementioned LO signing.
To make any moves, we'd need to move salary, which may be nearly impossible in this economic climate.
Still, to me, Luke, Sasha and Morrison could be moved, and perhaps with Brown back, Farmar could be used to help a trade happen.
Just a thought but how about Stache and Farmar for Battier? Houston might bite as they shed Battiers contract (which has 2 more years), while taking on Morrison's expiring deal, plus add a nice back up PG.
Lakers could at times run out a Kobe, Ron, Battier perimeter, especially against teams with big one guards, like Boston, Denver.
I have always been an admirer of Battier's leadership and I think he'd be a great fit for the Lakers, though perhaps unneccesary with Artest here now.
Re: Lakers/Rockets Artest for Ariza sign and trade
Well, the only way Rockets would do it is if they definitely plan on getting rid of T-Mac and if they know for sure that Yao is out for the season. I still cannot see them trading Battier to a team in the West. If they want to unload his contract, they would be best moving him to the East. Morrison's contract and Farmar are not worth giving away Battier. I am sure they can get a lot more value for Battier from other teams... I mean they already have Brooks, who is a better PG than Farmar with very similar playing-style. They don't need Farmar... They would rather get a backup PG that is a veteran.
Re: Lakers/Rockets Artest for Ariza sign and trade
Artest, Brown sign contracts
By Elliott Teaford on July 7, 2009 10:18 PM
Quote:
Just got word that the Lakers signed Ron Artest and Shannon Brown to contracts tonight. Brown signed at 9:01 p.m., the first minute he could actually put his name to paper. His deal is worth $4.2 million over two seasons. About 40 minutes later, the Lakers signed Artest to a three-season, $18-million contract. Artest will wear uniform No. 37 in honor of the number of weeks that Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" was No. 1 on the charts. No, really.
Re: Lakers/Rockets Artest for Ariza sign and trade
Here is the link, though it doesn't appear to have happened now that Artest has signed.
Trevor Ariza has not been moved. He and his agent on Monday bought their airline tickets to Houston. The physical is scheduled for Wednesday morning, the press conference for Wednesday afternoon. Ariza will hold up his red jersey for the cameras, having chosen the Rockets over better teams and sticking to his commitment. He has not, however, been the only one with the cell phone pressed to his ear. The Rockets have worked on ways to get Ariza and keep their mid-level exception. That would seem to mean coming together with the Lakers on a sign-and-trade exchange, with Ron Artest going to LA for the same money. There are apparently other ways.
Re: Lakers/Rockets Artest for Ariza sign and trade
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoops Manifesto
Getting Artest for only $6 million a year is a steal (especially considering Bargnani just signed for $10 mil/year). That being said, I'm still not a fan of the move, as you can read below:
Bargnani signed for 10 mill?
Thats it, give Odom ten mill....no way this happens with bargnani and not Odom.
Lakers/Rockets Artest for Ariza sign and trade
