By Sam Amico
Pro Basketball News
A high-ranking Western Conference official familiar with the situation told
Pro Basketball News that Sacramento forward Ron Artest “isn’t likely to be traded to the Lakers anytime soon,” despite a report in the Sacramento Bee that the teams may be trying to negotiate a deal.
According to the Bee, which cited a league source, “the Lakers have already contacted the Kings regarding Artest and are believed to be offering forward Lamar Odom.”
But the Western Conference source, who spoke to PBN on the condition of anonymity, said, “A lot of teams have contacted the Kings (about Artest) in the past few days. In fact, the Lakers are just one of about 27 or 28. And I can tell you right now that the Kings have little interest in obtaining solely Odom.”
The source added that any discussions between the Kings and Lakers were “strictly preliminary” and the Lakers were merely calling to “gauge (Kings general manager Geoff) Petrie’s thoughts” on a possible deal.
“The Kings aren’t entirely against moving Artest, even to the Lakers,” the source said. “But again, they’ve made it clear they’re not in the business of helping someone else with their title aspirations. They’re not Memphis (which traded Pau Gasol to L.A. midway through last season).”
The possibility also exists that the Lakers don’t feel it’s necessary to acquire Artest -- and may instead turn to free agency to sign a less-known player who may be a better fit, the source indicated.
“From the Lakers’ standpoint, there’s really no need to mess with the team,” the source said. “They just went to the Finals with their current roster. Plus, they’ll have Andrew Bynum back (from injury) next year. They know that gutting the roster, or even trading a starter such as Odom, probably isn’t necessary. As it is, you have to consider them the favorites to come out of the West again next season. Why mess with that?”
Meanwhile, Petrie told the Bee, "Right now, (Artest is) just a terrific player to have on your roster. I don't really have any speculation one way or another (about his future). We'll see what other things -- not specific to Ron -- but if there's some other way we can improve the team or change the team, we'll take a look at it."
PBN’s source concluded that he was certain the Bee report was accurate, and that the Lakers did indeed call the Kings to inquire about Artest.
“But I am just as sure that the conversation didn’t really go anywhere,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it’s dead, it’s just that you hear all the time how the Lakers are supposedly doing this and doing that. Heck, last year they were supposed to be the frontrunner to land Kevin Garnett. And every summer there seems to be a rumor that Artest will end up in L.A.”
He added, “Of course, how many times does this kind of stuff actually happen? Zero. And you know why? Because the Lakers don't want to give up much in return. And at this point you can’t blame them. They’re the best in the West. So it only makes sense for them to want to improve the team without taking too much away from it.”
The source said he did not have any information on whether or not the Lakers were trying to sign other available free agents such as Bonzi Wells (New Orleans) or James Posey (Boston), as had been previously reported.
“They do want to do something, there’s no doubt about that,” the source said. “Which direction they chose to go, though, is anyone’s guess. But I can assure you, again, they have no more chance of getting Artest than any of the other 20-plus teams who have called to inquire (about him). The Lakers may even have less of a chance than a lot of others. I hate to burst everyone's bubble, but Artest is likely to be a King next year."
Artest, 28, averaged 20.5 points in 57 games with the Kings last season. He is under contract for one more season with the Kings ($7.4 million).
He had the chance to opt out of his contract this summer, but decided not to explore free agency. Artest later told ESPN.com he regretted the decision.
“I think I made the biggest mistake by staying in my contract and I have to live with it," he told the Web site. "I had some misleading information (in making the) decision on not opting out. (But) I still thank God for all his blessings and being able to play basketball and help people."
Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. Contact him or sign up for his free
e-mail newsletter at amico@probasketballnews.com.
Copyright 2008 Pro Basketball News. All rights reserved.
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NBA: July 11, 2008
Source: Artest to Lakers 'not likely'
