Ron Artest On His Way Out?

[JesRey]

Yesterday there were a couple of reports that the Lakers were looking to make a trade.

Mitch Kupchak even said that he would look into possible scenarios. Magic Johnson made a comment on ESPN radio saying the Lakers needed to make a trade to get better.

Ron Artest isn't happy and would welcome a trade including him.

I've noticed this year that Artest isn't the same. He's producing career low numbers and hasn't been the same lock down defender. There are also times where it seems Artest still doesn't understand the Triangle Offense.

Here are two reasons that ESPN are reporting:

1. He's weary of being scapegoated for the team's struggles and feels that he's destined to always absorb the bulk of the blame no matter what happens because Jackson and Bryant are so dependent on the more glamorous contributions of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom and will never publicly go after regal Laker lifer Derek Fisher.

2. As we heard at various points during his stops in Indiana, Sacramento and Houston, Artest is eventually going to squawk if he's being marginalized in the offense, which inevitably disengages him from his defensive responsibilities. (Relegated "to the corner shot" is the way Daniel Artest{brother} described it -- except that he said "regulated" and surely meant "relegated.")

I hope the Lakers can pull off a trade to get rid of Artest. He's 31-years-old and still has 3 years left on his contract with around $22 million owed.

There are 22 days left until the trade deadline. Hopefully Kupchak can work that magic he used to get Gasol 3 years ago.

What do you guys think should we keep or trade Ron Artest?


Picture Credit: Lakers Facebook


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[key2win]

I dont think Artest fits in with Jackson as coach. He does do wonders defensively, but going from a one of the main scorers on past teams to the 4th/5th option is a huge step down scoring wise.

I know Lakers want Hinrich, but that would mean trading Blake. We dont need 3 point guards and I dont see Wizards wanting Artest.

[gladdyontherise]

I don't see anyway possible the Lakers can trade Artest and get a better piece to their puzzle in return

[JesRey]

I don't see anyway possible the Lakers can trade Artest and get a better piece to their puzzle in return

Maybe Rip Hamilton

[B.I.G.Poppa]

Wow, less than a year after he become a hero in the finals last year.

I don't see any comparable pieces that can really help the Lakeshow either. Maybe cut some losses and get cap room or picks.

[gladdyontherise]

Maybe Rip Hamilton

Nope..Pistons can't trade anyone unless they get an expiring contract in return.