TheChez.net

By: Dukemich

It’s over for Ariza

After Trevor Ariza did not accept the contract that the Lakers offered him, he tried out the free agent market and quickly signed with the Houston Rockets. Let me tell you something. The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Ariza and jump-started his career. He was quickly inserted into the starting lineup after he returned from injury. He was  a great role player in the Lakers’ system and LA would not have won without him. How does he repay the team that made him relevant? He goes to another team. Let me tell you something else. He had one good year and now he expects the big bucks. He has proven NOTHING. Well, I hope he enjoys Houston because that is where his career will DIE. The Rockets are one of the most unstable teams in the NBA. First, Yao Ming is hurt constantly and he may miss the entire season next year. Second, Tracy McGrady is also hurt constantly. Therefore, Ariza will have to be one of the go to guys, which he is not. Third, the league knows him now and it will be ready. The reason Ariza had a great three-point shooting percentage in the playoffs was because he was left open. Why? Ariza is not a good shooter. He shot a little over 30% from the three-point line during the regular season. Ariza is not a scorer. During the regular season he averaged 9 points a game. Ariza’a strength is his defense and athleticism. He also had open shots because the defense focused on guys named Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. You may have noticed that Kobe Bryant has been considered as one of the greatest players of all-time. Furthermore, you may have noticed Pau Gasol. He’s 7 feet tall, has the wingspan of an eagle, and the roar of a lion. He will not flourish in a system that needs him to be a scorer. However, this time the league will find him and they will kill him(figuratively). That’s a quote from Taken. You probably know this by now. Liam Neeson is amazing. Anyway this will be the last you will here from Ariza. He’s a one hit wonder. He’s chosen his own fate.

The Answer

In retaliation, the Lakers signed Ron Artest(Former Rocket). The guy who dove into to the stands to beat up some fans. The player who pulled down Paul Pierce’s pants and thought it was good defense. The man that almost fought Kobe Bryant during the 2009 playoffs. Let’s talk about the risks. Worst case scenario is that Ron Artest will destroy the teams chemistry by polluting the locker room with his antics and immaturity much like TO with the Eagles and the Cowboys in football. However, I believe his intentions are good. First, he took a paycut to play with the Lakers. Second, he’s never won a championship so he must want one(he also said that he joined the team to win a championship on Sportscenter). Third, since he left the Indiana Pacers Artest has set aside his bad boy image and started playing basketball. He seems to care about the game, his teammates, and himself.

Analying the Swap

Artest is a better player than Ariza. He can score and defend and he has proven that over the years. He averaged 17 points a game last year and he’s a former defensive player of the year. The only thing Ariza has on Artest is that he’s younger. Ariza is 24 and has room to grow. Artest is 29.

As long as Artest realizes that he’s not the best player on the floor and settles into his role the Lakers will make another run at a championship especially if they sign Lamar Odom.

Just let the Lakers’ starting lineup role off your tongue:

Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, Andrew Bynum

Lamar Odom coming off the bench

They are stacked!!!!

Don’t underestimate the power of the Dark Side

As much as I hate the Celtics, they are the best team in the eastern conference at least. They would only improve if they acquire Rasheed Wallace. A healthy Boston Celtics team is scary. Don’t count them out. They would have made it to the finals if they had Garnett in the playoffs this year.