courtesy of probasketballnews.com

Source: Artest looks to be bound for L.A.
By Sam Amico
Dec. 28, 2005

Indiana is nearing a three-team trade that would send swingman Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers, a league source has told ProBasketballNews.com.

Meanwhile, Lakers forward Devean George would end up in Indiana.

The third team involved in the proposed trade is the Toronto Raptors, according to the source. The Raptors would send Jalen Rose to Los Angeles -- and in return receive Pacers forward Austin Croshere and at least one player from the Lakers.

The source added that George and an undetermined player from the Raptors -- or perhaps a draft pick -- would be to dealt to the Pacers.

"Basically, it's Artest for Devean George, with the Raptors getting involved to make it work financially," the source said. "When and if it happens, this will be a trade that consists of plenty of throw-ins."

Three weeks ago, Artest told the Indianapolis Star that he wanted to be traded. He later apologized to his teammates and told management he would like to remain with the team. But Pacers president Larry Bird told The Indianapolis Star on Monday that he felt "betrayed" by Artest, and said the Pacers will indeed trade him.

Artest has been inactive since his comments about wanting to be traded, which came after he was injured against Dallas on Dec. 6. Since then, the Pacers have been flooded with trade requests.

Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh told the Associated Press on Wednesday the team had narrowed its options down from about 10 teams this week, but did not indicate when a trade might occur.

Artest averaged 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds through 16 games this season. He was suspended for 73 games last year after the well-documented brawl during a game in Detroit.

Croshere is averaging 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Pacers, while Rose is scoring 9.6 points in just 25 minutes per game -- his lowest averages in both categories in nine seasons.

George is also near his career lows in scoring (5.6 ppg) and field-goal percentage (38 percent).

The source said he was not given a timetable as to when the proposed trade might take place. "I hear they are very close to finalizing everything, he said, "but it sounds like there are a few kinks that still need to be worked out."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

If this happens, strange.

1) LA wins - getting Artest for George? Wow. George is a scrub and frequently injured. Does George's salary end soon? LA also gets Jalen, which is great, for basically free.

2) Unless the Raps get Bynum, this is a BUST of a trade for the Raps, especially if they take Croshere - why take Austin "No Powers" Croshere? He sucks, is expensive with many years left, plays the same position as your two young studs (Charlie V and Bosh). Also the raps are giving up a pick? Weird! Doesnt make sense. The raps should be receiving a pick for taking Croshere. What other players could the Lakers be giving the Raps? Dont tell me the Lakes are trying to stiff the Raps with Kwame. Or even Brian Cook or Slava.... Again, Slava... Please.

3) Is the best Indy can get for Artest is George? Man, that sucks. Wow. George isnt even a defensive stopper. I'm sure we would give them Q or Jerome James (Better than George). Even Malik Rose is better than George and probably has more value. Strange.

Posted by islesfan:

That would be an amazing trade for the Lakers. Not sure why Toronto or the Pacers (unless they're getting a #1 from Toronto) would do it though.

you would think more players (possibly odom) or more teams would get involved before all is said and done.

Right, Odom would have to be included.

i think this makes more sense:

artest + rose to la la land
odom to indiana
george + croshere to toronto

with some fillers.

Wait......LA gets Artest and Jalen Rose for George? WTF?!?!?!?

Madsen
Odom
Artest
Kobe
Jalen?

No way does LA trade Odom for Artest.

chris mihm

Posted by Knight:

No way does LA trade Odom for Artest.

i agree, i dont see that happening.

The Pacers would be f'in themselves up the ars for a trade like this. With that being said, it's amazing that people would even want Artest after what he did to the Pacers.