Los Angeles Lakers Trade Options: Who Wants Ron Artest?

With rumors that Ron Artest wants to be traded (although Artest denies it), and with Lakers General Manager, Mitch Kupchak, saying that he may have to explore possible trades, let’s examine a few possible trade scenarios that would allow Ron Ron to escape the pressures of the Zenmaster, Kobe, and the Lakers.

 

1)      Wizards get:  Ron Artest and

                               Steve Blake

         Lakers get: Kirk Hinrich and Al Thornton

Analysis: The Wizards sorely lack any defensive prowess and Artest, even in his advanced age, can help their young nucleus as long as his head stays in it (a big if I know).  The Lakers get an upgrade at point guard and would rely on a combination of Thornton, Kobe, Lamar Odom, and Luke Walton to hold down the 3 spot until Matt Barnes is healthy.

 

2)      Raptors get: Artest, Blake, Devin Ebanks, Shannon Brown, and Derrick Caracter.

         Lakers get: Amir Johnson, Sonny Weems, and Jose Calderon

Analysis: The Raptors get a nice young player in Ebanks as well some much needed defense in Artest.  The additions of Brown, Caracter, and Ebanks would add to their stockpile of young assets (especially on the wing).  They also replace Calderon’s contract with pieces that are more workable.  The Lakers get one of the league’s most underrated shooters and an excellent passer in Calderon.  His defense is awful, but in all honesty slowing down an opponent’s point guard has not exactly been a Lakers forte.  Amir Johnson and Weems would add some sorely needed athleticism to the Lakers rotation...