Is Ron Gone From Los Angeles?

There is speculation that Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak is looking to make a trade to bolster the Lakers roster after a poor outing (and that's an understatement) against the hated Boston Celtics.

Mitch Kupchak said he is looking at options in the trade market to improve the team, but not a major change similar to the blockbuster trades of the Orlando Magic. While the Magic revamped their roster, Kupchak is only considering a trade to produce minimal, but positive change.

Magic Johnson felt the Lakers needed a trade after big losses against the NBA elite. He said that the Christmas Day loss to the Miami Heat and the recent loss to the Boston Celtics proved to him that a change is necessary. He doesn't think that the Lakers can win the championship right now and feels a trade can "improve the team and bring some energy to the team and bring some new life to the team."

The Lakers were pretty apathetic against the Houston Rockets Tuesday, but they still managed to get a win. Still, a change is needed. One player that has been rumored to be on the trade block is Ron Artest.

RonRon has had a subpar season thus far, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Personally, I feel Ron needs to go because he isn't a great shooter and he is getting slower defensively. Plus, he has a hefty contract with a few more years on it.

There are also rumors that Ron wants out of LA. Although he refuted these rumors, I wouldn't be surprised if the rumors are true. He has a diminished role and barely gets any shots. I don't think the triangle offense is a good fit for Ron either.

The Lakers got to make a move. I would say that Ron Artest will attract some interest by many teams, especially some teams on the rise. To throw around some names I would say that the Trailblazers, Grizzlies, Jazz, Pistons, Mavs, and Hornets.

And don't forget the Rockets. The way Ron was flirting with Kevin Martin after the game showed that Artest wouldn't mind a return to Houston. But Phil Jackson doesn't care about the team's struggles. He still feels that this team can win any series against any team in the league.

Neither does KB24. He said, "People that criticize, they can kiss my ass. I don't give a $%@*. I really don't. I keep the train moving. We're gonna keep on moving and in June, they'll say nothing. For now its good talk."