The Los Angeles Lakers begin their title defense Tuesday night with a new cast member. Instead of smooth forward Trevor Ariza, who seemed to do whatever the Lakers asked of him during last year’s title run, the always controversial Ron Artest has been added to the mix.
There are going to be doubts about that move — especially since the Lakers signed him to a five-year contract. Artest, after all, is a special talent who always seems to walk that fine line between eccentric and crazy. Is that really what Los Angeles needed given the pressure already facing the defending champs? At least one analyst thinks so.
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“He’s a perfect fit,” according to ESPN basketball analyst Jon Barry.
Artest is still a premier defender and that takes pressure off Kobe Bryant. His offensive numbers dipped last season, but Artest is likely the fourth option anyway. If he accepts that role — and continues to be a plus defender — than the Lakers are a good bet to repeat.
