Ron Artest: A Surprisingly Good Fit for the Lakers

When news came that Ron Artest signed a 3-year deal, worth $18 million with the Los Angeles Lakers this week, many people, including myself, were surprised. Just two months ago, Artest led his former team, the Houston Rockets, against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2009 NBA playoffs. Playing without stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets took the Lakers, the maximum seven games before losing. In the first game of the series, Artest got all in the face of his new teammate, Kobe Bryant, trash talking and trying to aggravate him. Artest was ejected in both Games 2 and 3 after arguing a call and a hard foul on Pau Gasol.

All previous altercations with Artest and the Laker players are sure to be patched up before the season begins. Artest has said himself that he is very excited to play in L.A. and that he will do everything to bring the Lakers another title. Artest had only praise to say about his new Laker teammates.

Artest will fill the shoes of Trevor Ariza, who left the Lakers for the Houston Rockets, signing a 5-year, $33 million contract. Ariza was a pivotal part in helping the Lakers win their 15th championship in franchise history. This was the first full season Ariza has played in his career, and it was mostly a backup role for him in the regular season. Artest has been more productive than Ariza throughout his career on both sides of the court.

Artest's actions on the court have come under intense scrutiny in the past. A few games into the 2004 NBA season, as a member of the Indiana Pacers, Artest got into one of the most infamous brawls in NBA history. It all started when Artest fouled Ben Wallace hard. The game was practically over, with the Pacers up 15, late in the fourth quarter. Wallace reacted by shoving Artest near the scorer's table. Artest would then lay down on the table, to take a rest. A Pistons fan in the stands would throw a cup of beer, hitting Artest directly in the face. Artest would jump into the stands, confronting the wrong fan, taking him down. Artest returned to the court, only to attack another Pistons fan. Artest would be suspended for the remainder of the regular season, a total of 73 games.

Getting past Artest's previous antics, he is one of the league's premier defenders and has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. Artest has earned his playing time, mostly for his defense, but he has been effective on offense, averaging about 20 PPG, the last seven seasons.

Artest has many similarities with another former Laker, Dennis Rodman. Artest and Rodman are known for their defensive mastery, both being named Defensive Player of the Year, as well as their on-court and off-court altercations.

Expect Artest to make big waves, some good and some bad, while he is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.