Artest To L.A: Why The Lakers Are The Favorites For The 2009-2010 Season

As the second day of NBA Free Agency nears a conclusion, some faces have come upon new places. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva have fled for Detroit, who looks to be a top team in the East once again. Jason Kidd could be finding a new deal within the next two days, with the Mavericks and Knicks on his tail. You have the Cavaliers, who have introduced the "Big Diesel" to Cleveland after the acquisition prior to the NBA Draft. Yet even with Lebron, Shaq, and company, it wasn't enough on their standards. It was reported that as early as today the talks heated up with Ron Artest, formerly of the Houston Rockets, and Trevor Ariza of the Lakers. Artest decided to hit the free agent market, while Ariza left after the Lakers weren't willing to make an intriguing offer that could have kept the young forward in Los Angeles. The discussion began with the Cavaliers the new favorite in the NBA if they sign Artest or Ariza. However, that point in time will not see the light of day, ... (link)