Artest vs Ariza: Why the Los Angeles Lakers are Better Off with Ron-Ron

Is it possible for a team to lose a top free agent and actually get better?  Well, not usually, but in this instance the Lakers appear to have done just that. On Thursday, former Lakers small forward Trevor Ariza signed a five-year, $33 million deal with the Houston Rockets.  Before the ink was even dry on the contract,  Former Rockets small forward Ron Artest had agreed to sign with the Lakers. The deal, although terms have not been disclosed, is rumored to be three years at the mid level exception (just under $6 million per year). So how are the Lakers better? Ariza certainly improved his three point shooting in the playoffs this past season,  But is that a lasting improvement?  He improved it over the regular season as well, but in the playoffs he took it to yet another level.  Also Ariza was among the league leaders in steals this past season, including some key steals in the playoffs. Some of which led directly to Laker wins.  Make no mistake about ... (link)