Lakers Free Agency: Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers!

It's official! Ron Artest is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a three year deal for about $18.7 million which could stretch out to a five year deal for about $33.5 million.

A lot of people will say that signing Trevor Ariza who is still very young at 24 years old might have been the smarter decision between the two, but I disagree as Artest brings a much needed physical presence and toughness that the Lakers have been lacking ever since they were dominated by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Trevor Ariza may be a young up and coming player in this league, but you know exactly what you are getting with Ron Artest as he comes to play night in and night out. Not saying that Ariza doesn't give it his all, but I believe Artest is the missing piece of the puzzle for an already great Lakers team.

All the Lakers have to do now is sign Lamar Odom before teams start offering him deals that he can't refuse. With this team intact the way it is right now, the Lakers should repeat next season pending any other moves other title contending teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics might make before next season.

As of right now the only deal I see making a huge difference is Rasheed Wallace landing in either Boston, San Antonio or maybe even Cleveland.

It should be interesting to see what these teams do in response to Artest going to the Lakers and making them an even better team than last season.