As far as human beings go, give me Trevor Ariza over Ron Artest any day. But on the court, not even close. Artest is among the elite players in the league and a raruty; a physically imposing small forward that can make life miserable for the other team's best perimeter players. Which also means that Kobe won't have to. (Remember how he compared guarding Carmello Anthony to wrestling with a bear? Remember his hands on his knees during one post game interview?) Now Ron can do the dirty work.
Another factor. The Lakers know they cannot count on Andrew Bynum avoiding injury. He might. But they can't count on it. He was supposed to give them the muscle inside they lacked against Boston. Though Arest wouldn't be guarding the same people...the Lakers are more physical if Artest is playing beside Pau and Lamar.
Locker room chemistry? Winning makes for great chemistry. The Bulls had Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan to keep Dennis Rodman in line and it worked. The Lakers have Phil and Kobe. Artest is a whacko. Rodman was a WHACKO!!!!!!
As for Trevor...he's going to make 5.6-million a year at least for a while; he got to win a championship and ride in the victory parade in his home town. He is no longer an NBA journeyman. Would have loved to see him stay here because of his character. But again...it's about talent.
Last arguement. Age. Trevor is 24. Arest turns 30 in November. But in all pro sports these days you have to go for your titles NOW. Kobe will be 31 in August. And he has logged a lot of minutes. The Lakers could be looking at a three year window to get as many trophies as possible. Yeah, at that point Trevor Ariza might...might.... be as good as a 33 year old Ron Artest. But between now and then... again. No contest.
And during those long boring dog days of the season... while we're just waiting for the playoffs.. Ron is going to say something that will spice up a lot of sportscasts. (Just say outlandish things, Ron. Don't do them.)
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