Rockets get a steal in Artest

Ron Artest is allegedly going to the Rockets for next to nothing. I don't know why more people aren't making a big deal about this trade like they did when the Lakers "stole" Pau Gasol from Memphis for next to nothing. What are the Kings getting for Artest? The Rockets' first-round draft pick next year, this year's late first-round pick, Bobby Jackson (dude is like 134 in NBA years) and 1 million cold cash. Memphis got Kwame Brown, two future first-round draft picks and Jarvis Crittenton for Gasol. They both seem pretty weak. I know the Kings must have decided they need to cut their losses, but I think there is better value for Artest out there.

What does this do for Houston? I don't know if it makes the Rockets contenders, but it sure as hell makes them deadly. Battier and Artest on the same floor playing lock-down defense is scary.

* * *

Here is an interesting article on the Kobe and Shaq feud. Speaking of Shaq, are we gonna see a new Phoenix offense? Maybe the Suns will run the offense through Shaq. If that happens, they definitely won't make the playoffs.

Make sure to check out "the Machine" skits at Lakers-fan.com. These guys from SB are hitting the funny bone with every Laker fan. Good job!