Much of the hype after the Los Angeles Laker’s championship run was on which free agent would be kept. There was Lamar Odom, who by any Lakers faithful’s definition is a constant reminder of inconsistency. His stocks rose sharply after the playoff run in which some of his plays made the greatest impact. On the other hand, Laker’s very own superstar in the making, Trevor Ariza who like Odom also left his mark on the Laker’s fans. At the end of the day, salary caps and tax would ultimately play their hands and the Laker’s showed what they had done the previous year; allowed a fan favorite to walk but keep its core strong and intact. Ultimately, I believe the decision to pursue Lamar Odom over Trevor Ariza was not financial but a decision made on who would make the most impact when it mattered; that had to be Lamar Odom – his years of experience with the Laker’s giving him a distinct advantage over Ariza despite the disparity of age and potential. But to add to the “hoopla” of fun; Laker’s ushered in another proven veteren in Ron Artest, the so often combustible character whose latest utterance is to state that his arrival will help the Lakers become ‘hoodalized”, physically tougher in laymen’s terms.
I am a LA Laker’s fan but I cannot be compared with the Laker’s faithful who by definition outshine my support for the Lakers in so many ways. I suppose I should call myself the moderate Lakers fan.
But what do I make of this trade. For one, I always love an underdog who makes a big statement and Trevor Ariza just fits into that category. Ron Artest is already a star and comes into the team with a chip on his shoulders; Ariza on the other hand had potential and it was such a thing of beauty to watch him evolve right before our eyes. Without even realizing the full potential of this young men; business gets into the way and we have to see him make a name for himself far from the glare of Hollywood. But he is not the first; there was Ronny Turiaf before him, Chris Mihm – the gentle giant whose injuries curtailed his and others who I believe any true Lakers fan will list in alphabetical order if given the chance.
Having said that Ron Artest does bring a different kind of appeal, a different kind of potential. He is everything Lamar Odom is not; a consistent performer who if in the best of behaivour brings his best to the game every night. His potential is a stark contrast to Ariza; he is a proven defender who will no doubt relieve Kobe Bryant off some defensive responsibilities. Ariza blossomed at the 3-point line; Artest is already a three point threat. Ariza is young; Artest is older and hopefully wiser – clearly the Lakers management were gunning for continuity in the short term when they acquired Artest. Finally, as Ariza has admitted all this had been just a culmination of 2 years of hard work by the Lakers management to finally land Artest, a player in the mold of Dennis Rodman who will certainly give Phil Jackson another tough body to throw at the opponent; a body who is willing to put himself on the line and come out smiling.
I am obviously disappointed with this development. However, when the Lakers gave an ‘A’ away for an ‘A’ I believe they did get an ‘A’ for this. I hope they repeat as NBA Champions.