When a player has their sights set on a certain destination, not too many people (if any) can get them to change their mind. Ron Artest loves Los Angeles and wanted to be a Laker and not even talks with LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal could convince him to change his mind and come play for the Cavaliers in Cleveland. After the rough and tough series Kobe Bryant and his Lakers had against Ron Artest and his-then Rockets, it was hard seeing these two guys teaming up because it seemed as if bad blood was brewing, but that was not the case. Both guys are fierce competitors and they didn’t let their on the court drama factor into the decision making of becoming teammates. With Ariza headed to Houston, Artest is more than likely going to take his spot at the small forward position.

Not all is well in Los Angeles, however. Lamar Odom and the Lakers can’t seem to even come close to a salary that suits all parties involved well. Trevor Ariza and his agent tried to sit and play the waiting game with the Lakers who were playing hardball, but when Ariza’s camp didn’t budge, the Lakers replaced him. Replacing Odom won’t be as easy unless a sign-&-trade is reached, but you know his frustrations have to be mounting while waiting to see what the Lakers will do next. Hard to see him take even less money to go else-where, so he’ll be a Laker sooner or later.