Los Angeles Lakers Add Ron Artest In Their Quest To Repeat

Kobe Bryant will no longer have to worry about Ron Artest guarding him in the playoffs. ESPN has reported the rugged Artest is leaving the Houston Rockets to sign with the defending champs, in a three-year deal worth $18 million.

Artest texted ESPN: "I am happy to say, I am going to LA." The move seems to ensure that free agent Trevor Ariza will likely sign with another team, possibly Cleveland or Houston.

Artest should bring defense, tenacity, three-point shooting and another player able to create his own points. This deal solidifies the Lakers chance to repeat as several other contenders have bolstered their lineups through trades and free agent signings, including the San Antonio Spurs, who traded for Richard Jefferson and are said to be courting Rasheed Wallace.