No Ariza! Say it aint so!

Artest is replacing Ariza as the Lakers defensive wiz. He brings more muscle, more offense (which we don’t need more of) and more unpredictability. The Laker Nation is well aware that Artest is an improvement in overall skills over the very talented Trevor Ariza. The Laker Nation is also well aware that Artest has been under control and very mature the last few years, especially in Houston. Laker fans also know that they are hugely favored to repeat as world champions with Artest in the line up.

So why aren’t Laker fans more excited? Because they really liked Ariza. A young kid who is humble on the court, never said much, and strictly went to work. Ariza was very much the blue collar worker. He had fantastic hops, an uncanny instinct on defense and worked very hard to become a sharp shooter from beyond the arc. He was a good kid and one you hate to lose, much like Ronnie Turiaf was for the Lakers a couple years ago. In a league full of big egos it’s always refreshing to see somebody who is awkward in their interviews because they are shy and/or reserved.

There has been a lot made of Ariza’s agent, David Lee and how he handled the Lakers during negotiations for Ariza’s new contract. And of how Mitch and the Lakers played hard ball right back with David Lee when he demanded more money by grabbing Artest, but isn’t it important to bring back your core guys. Ariza was one of our core guys and a key reason we won a championship.

Much love goes out to Ariza, a great person with tremendous upside. LA fans cautiously wait the day Houston meets LA and Ariza guards Kobe.