The Sacramento Bee reported yesterday that, according to a “league source” (I love all the mystery, by the way), the Lakers contacted the Kings about Ron Artest.
According to a league source, the Lakers already have contacted the Kings regarding Artest and are believed to be offering forward Lamar Odom. As of Tuesday evening, the Kings had not returned the call. They are expected to insist on forward Kenny Thomas and his $18 million of remaining salary (over two seasons) being included in that potential trade. Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie declined comment on whether the Lakers had called.
“Believed to be offering”? This stuff cracks me up. They’re not reporting that the “source” said that the Lakers offered up Odom, they’re saying that the “source” only “believes” that they’re offering up Odom.
Anyway, this rumor has been out there a while because it makes sense for both teams. The Finals proved that the Lakers need more toughness and Artest would bring that along with better defense and shooting from the small forward position. Odom is a talented player who is overdue for a pay cut, so if he meshes well with the Kings’ bevy of youngsters, Sacramento can re-sign him next summer. If he doesn’t, he might be February trade bait for a team looking to cut salary.
The addition of Kenny Thomas’ contract makes sense because Artest’s low salary makes him more valuable than Odom at this point. The Lakers might as well take it on because they’ll save $6 million this season, which is almost enough to offset Thomas’ salary this year.
