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**Box Man** · 01-22-2006, 04:22 PM

http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/...2.3d9332c.html

Quote:

EL SEGUNDO - The Lakers will reach the midway point of their inconsistent season tonight when they play the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center, and it has become clear to Coach Phil Jackson that his team is another quality player away from making a strong push in the Western Conference.

Jackson and the Lakers have a strong interest in Ron Artest, the controversial swingman whom the Pacers have placed on their inactive list while they look to trade him, but no deal appears in place with the Lakers right now.

Reportedly, the Lakers aren't willing to part with rookie center Andrew Bynum or Lamar Odom to make a deal work for Artest.

Artest has been in Los Angeles and has attended two Lakers games.

The Pacers placed Artest on the inactive list Dec. 12 after the volatile forward asked to be traded and later rescinded his request. The Pacers have been adamant about sending Artest to the Western Conference, and the Lakers have been one of several teams mentioned.

Jackson talked about his interest in Artest after practice Saturday.

"We know there are risks, rewards in this type of action," Jackson said. "We think the rewards are great for our team. In our regard, we're really like a step away from really stepping in to another level of play in this league. We're a good team right now, but we're not consistent. His addition might make us consistent."

Jackson isn't concerned about Artest's behavior issues.

Jackson coached Dennis Rodman with the Chicago Bulls and said, like with Rodman, a team has to make some allowances for a player like Artest.

Jackson said if the Lakers acquired Artest, his biggest challenge would be learning the triangle offense.

But Jackson said his congenial group of players would be willing to accept Artest.

Artest played AAU basketball with Odom in New York, and Kobe Bryant has said he would be open to having Artest as a teammate.

The trading deadline is Feb. 23, and Jackson said the Pacers may wait until then to do a deal or they may not do one at all.

"It's obvious they haven't gotten the right mix," Jackson said. "They have the card, and they can hold it until the end of the trading deadline. Even then, they can ask Ronnie to 'come back and play for us.' Ultimately they could do that if they wanted to, I suppose. So they kind of have to look and see what they really want to get out of this and what's the appropriate measure for them."

After tonight, the Lakers don't have another game until next Friday, it seems like a good time for a trade to happen.

Lakers forum thread on this:
http://www.basketballboards.net/foru...3080667&conly=

PacersguyUSA · 01-22-2006, 06:42 PM

Bynum would be nice, wouldn't he?

Pacers Fan · 01-22-2006, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacersguyUSA

Bynum would be nice, wouldn't he?

Another Center to develop, only this one won't help us at all now.

PacersguyUSA · 01-23-2006, 03:19 AM

We don't really need help now. We probably can't win a title for 2 years at least.

Pacers Fan · 01-23-2006, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacersguyUSA

We don't really need help now. We probably can't win a title for 2 years at least.

Bynum will take even longer to help.

**MillerTime** · 01-23-2006, 06:53 AM

WOW Kobe Bryant is amazing. I think they may be re-considering their stand on Artest.

Artest/Odom at forward's with Kobe at guard, would make them a contender for sure, esspicially in that western conference.

I don't think we should just trade for the sake of trading though, if they don't give us Odom, then no deal. No need for us to help the Lakers win a title this season by giving them Artest for a project player.

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