Artest Vs...Everyone!

Playoff time looms and there are plenty of teams with their eye on the prize. Many teams have tried to jolt their roster into action and make a real shot for glory. The Lakers, being NBA champions (Yes, I will try to mention that as much as possible) have for the most part stayed the way they were last year except for the swap out of Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest before the season began. This move was done to step up defense and bring some much needed toughness to the champs (there it is again). Many thought the move was unnecessary, why disturb a winning team? Well, I guess it's always good to improve your team even if they have just won the championship (three times in one paragraph, yes!). The important question here, is whether or not the acquisition of Ron really make the Lakers a better team and improve repeat hopes (does that count?).

Ok, so here we go again on the hypothetical conundrum that we all love so much. Ron was brought in to increase the defensive pressure and it has worked. The Lakers defensive rating has improved this year. Excellent, box ticked, job done, that was easy. Oh alright, I suppose there are a few nuances we could talk about. Ron is a better defensive player than Ariza and this has shown as the Lakers have become a better defensive team, but what about the offensive end. The Lakers aren't quite the offensive threat they were last year but it's only a minor dip. The Lakers offense is still running smoothly, except for a few hiccups here and there but that's natural for any team, nothing to worry about there. We are getting the same amount of points from Ron that we got out of Ariza. The biggest difference between the two players are their respective athletic abilities. Ariza is very athletic with an excellent vertical, explosive and quick. Ron on the other hand is strong and powerful with a little less finesse than Trevor. Ron wrestles and muscles his way through the court, which is great asset to have because it's a constant wear upon the opponent. They have to constantly battle their way through and that becomes difficult especially in a seven game series. I think Trevor fits more in the role of a natural offensive player with his soft touch and perfect timing which is something the Lakers are not really missing. There are plenty of offensive personnel gracing the Laker uniform, if one player doesn't pop into mind then there is just no hope for you!

There were worries that Ron, a notably volatile player, would disrupt the Lakers zen and become more trouble than he was worth. Well that doesn't appear to be happening, I think the lure of winning a championship is just too strong, he knows what he has to do and he is doing it. As long as he doesn't drink during half time anymore (well maybe a little sip) and attend Phil's meditation sessions the ill tempered, disruptive Artest is a thing of the past leaving a finely tuned defensive power house, plus he raps too!

The difference is clear, the Ariza-Artest swap makes the Lakers better on paper and it seems like it is becoming a reality. The Lakers sit atop the Western Conference and are expected to return to the NBA finals. So far, so good for Ron Ron. However his real test will come in playoff time when he is going to have to shut down players like Carmelo Anthony or Brandon Roy or even Paul Pierce, yes I still think the Celtics will overcome and wriggle there way back into the finals like the little green snakes they are. If Artest can bring his renowned defensive ability all the way through the playoffs that is when the swap will really come into fruition and that is when Ron Ron will win a special place in our hearts...AWWWWWWW!