2009 NBA Off-Season Thread (jersey, finals, Raptors, Detroit Pistons)
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Source: Rockets GM meeting with Lakers' Forward Trevor Ariza
HOUSTON -- A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza.
The person, who did not want to be identified because the negotiations were ongoing, said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was meeting with the free agent in Las Vegas.
President Barack Obama was asked straight out on Thursday: Kobe or Michael?
As in, who's the best? Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, a four-time NBA champion? Or the basketball legend to whom he is most often compared, Michael Jordan, who retired as a six-time champ with the Chicago Bulls and is widely regarded as the best player of all time?
"Oh, Michael," Obama answered in an interview with The Associated Press.
"I mean, Kobe's terrific. Don't get me wrong," Obama said. "But I haven't seen anybody match up with Jordan yet."
MUMBAI, India -- The National Basketball Association (NBA), in partnership with the Basketball Federation of India, today tipped off NBA Jam, the league's first-ever fan event in India. Los Angeles Clippers guard Baron Davis and the New York Knicks City Dancers were on hand at Phoenix Hills Mall in Mumbai to tip off the three-city, seven-week free interactive basketball experience, which captures the excitement of the NBA through basketball activities, entertainment acts, and off-court events. The opening event will last until July 5 and then travel to seven malls across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
The Los Angeles Lakers are not content to stand pat in defense of their latest championship.
They reached an agreement Thursday with Houston Rockets free agent forward Ron Artest on a five-year deal using the team's mid-level exception that would pay Artest a little more $32 million based on last season's mid-level amount of $5.585 million. Artest will have an out in the contract after the fourth season, according to a source, and will be allowed to make the contract into a three-year deal if he changes his mind between now and next Wednesday, the first official day that players can sign contracts for the 2009-10 season.
The 29-year-old Artest might be inclined to go for a shorter deal to give him the chance at another contract after this one expires. By signing for three years, Artest would regain his "Larry Bird" rights, which allow a team to go over the salary cap in order to re-sign its own players and pay those players an additional year's salary. That would also apply if Artest wanted to leave the Lakers after three years; he'd get an additional year if the Lakers agreed to a sign-and-trade deal for him.
I'm not sure how to feel about this... I really liked Ariza and he's young and gets along with everyone. I hope Artest doesn't ruin the chemistry of the team. If he gets along with everyone he could definately help the Lakers towards another championship.
Looking at this as Ariza for Artest, I like the deal from Houston's perspective.
Artest is a ball hog, once he gets his hands on the ball his actions are to try and overpower his defender on a drive or shoot from outside. Passing is a last resort.
Ariza is a better "fit" player, his skills can better blend with the team surrounding him. He will jump up his scoring in Houston, and as they surround him with more talent he will be a valuable asset in their progress.
Artest is more physical and tougher, but Ariza is more skilled and polished. Ariza has a much better outside shot too, and is five years younger.
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