Honestly, I think Artest is over-rated. He was a star on the Pacers.....because they were the Pacers. As for his time in Houston, besides the Playoffs, he was kind of invisible. Sure he put up some numbers here and there, but he was overshadowed by Yao and the rest of the team.

I am on the fence of the Spurs. They are aging a bit. Especially Duncan, Parker, and Ginobilli. I wouldn't mind another run from them though. Duncan is amazing and will go down as one of the best ever.

The Spurs acquiring Richard Jefferson is something that has been under the radar, I think. That will help them a LOT.

I don't doubt that Jefferson is going to help the Spurs, but the problem with Richard is that I don't think he really fits in wherever he goes. He didn't really mesh too well with New Jersey and Milwaukee wasn't a good fit either. Hopefully for him, the Spurs are. Granted a winning organization is always a nice place to play.

I'll take Artest over Ariza (did I spell thet right?) anytime.

Artest- Former Defencive Player Of The Year, experienced vetern, passion for winning and playing very physical.

Ariza- Young, inexperienced player. Spotty play. Goes through periods were he may be hot, but goes through periods were he horrible. Did decent in the playoffs but where was he durning the regular season? Riding the pine, that's where.

Bottom line, Ariza may be decent, but he doesn't have the skills that Artest does, especially on defence, and that's what the Lakers needed. Granted, Artest is an absolute moron off the court, and I can't stress the fact enough that Artest is a moron , but on the court he is one of the best defenders in the game.

And I agree with the Spurs picking up Jefferson as a huge move. He might give them the exciting young player that they need to get the life back in them, but the rest of the team is getting old. Health might be an issue in San Antonio.

an Ariza is what LeBron needs. I mean he basicaly won the finals for the Lakers

No faith in Delonte West? You don't have faith in a dude that rolls around with multiple hand guns and a shotgun in a guitar case strapped over his shoulder?

What has Lebron won? 2 All Star MVPs, a Regular Season MVP, A gold Medal, RoY, A bronze medal. Hes just 24 years old and he has already led a team to the finals, and the best record in the league.
Heres a list of people who have never won a championship
Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley... you know what Ill stop there. You get the point. Everyone expects Lebron to win one on his own, but the last person to win a championship without one certified elected all star was Hakeem Olajuwon. Before then I couldnt name one. Lebron has a great cast, but no one who is truly special.
Detroits Fab Five
Miami Wade and Shaq
Lakers Kobe, Gasol, Shaq and Kobe
San Antonio Duncan, Robinson, Ginobli, Parker
Chicago Jordan Pippen
Detroit Thomas, Dumars, Rodman
Lakers.... do I really need to list them
etc.

Give Lebron a decent player in his prime, that can handle pressure and everything will be golden. I love Mo, but he disappeared, Z is too Old, Shaq may be okay if he is as good as he was last year.

who also isnt afraid to drive in front of a cop while speeding... he is not afraid to take the rock to the hole

But still no ring. Everything else is small change compared to a championship.

For better or for worse, this is true.

Even if the best player in the world who is surprisingly bitter about winning everything he could denied your team this... yeah, there's still something missing, and "trying hard" just don't cut it.

(Now I'm sounding like a bitter fan, but at least I have a REASON, unlike some famous people, darnit.)

I bowled with LeBron in Chris Paul's Celebrity Bowling tournament last year. He's a pretty nice guy...I did mention that we wanted him in New York! He just laughed...but you can't blame me for trying...