Weeks after bringing home the Gold, the Lakers now have 1 less Free Agent to worry about, as Trevor Ariza decided to part ways and decline the offer L.A. offered him. Instead the 2009 NBA Champs countered by signing Forward Ron Artest. Artest, who's no stranger to Laker fans will now be paired up with the same man he almost tangled with during the playoffs, Kobe Bryant. Artest, who was named Defensive Player Of The Year in 2004, proved he could hold his ground, after leading a Houston team without T-Mac and without an injured Yao Ming to a game 7 against the Lakers. However they lost in that game 7. It will be quite interesting seeing Kobe and Artest on the same team, rather than going at it 1-on-1. I'll admit, I'm not the biggest Ron Artest fan, but then again, who is? Ever since the melee at the Palace in Detroit, I've had a bad impression on him. However his act has somewhat straightened up since. Let's just hope Artest knows who's team this is and hope he doesn't show up to practice with the Lakers logo embroidered into his hair.The signing was made official early Wednesday morning. Artest and the Lakers agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. The Lakers also re-signed backup point guard Shannon Brown, early Wednesday morning, however terms were not yet released. Now the remaining question is, will the Lakers re-sign Free Agent Lamar Odom?
"Kobe can't do it without Shaq", That statement can now be put to rest as Kobe Bryant and the Lakers proved everyone that doubted him, wrong. Kobe led a Laker team that was embarrassed and out played by the Boston Celtics in last year's NBA Finals, to their 4th NBA Championship in 9 years. The Trophy was also Phil Jackson's 4th as Lakers head coach, and 10th overall. Giving him the most NBA titles as a coach, surpassing the record (9) he previously shared with Boston's Red Auerbach.The lop sided series ended in only 5 games, as Kobe Bryant took home MVP Honors to add to his already crowded trophy case. Although it was Kobe's 4th Championship, it was the first time he had won the Finals MVP, as former teammate and Laker Center Shaquille O'Neal had won it all 3 previous years. Kobe can now brag about winning it all without the big man, and I think it's safe to say he's got the monkey off his back. The Lakers have had the record of All-Time Finals appearances (30), but now inch closer to the All-Time Championship mark that is held by the Boston Celtics (17 NBA Tittles), after winning their 15th.& Although it's time to celebrate the victory of the hard fought battle, it's also time to sit back and watch whether or not the Lakers resign or let go a few key pieces to their Championship puzzle, as Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza are now Free Agents. Only time will tell...
