Just when the NBA thought they caught up to the champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team makes a move that propels them back on top. Free agent forward Ron Artest says that he plans to sign with the Lakers. The Orlando Magic, who lost the Lakers in the finals, traded for Vince Carter who is one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. The Cavaliers, who lost to the Magic in the Eastern Conference finals, traded for future Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal who brings four championship rings to a hungry Cavaliers squad. The San Antonio Spurs started the wave of blockbuster deals by trading for Richard Jefferson and got younger by sending away the veterans Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Orberto.

On the morning of July 2, 2009, the Magic, Cavaliers, and Spurs had closed the gap that was between themselves and the Lakers. While people were heading home from work, the Celtics were added to the list because they reportedly were close to terms with free agent forward Rasheed Wallace, but the Lakers gave themselves some breathing room around dinner time with the news that Artest plans to sign with the team.

Even though the Lakers won the championship this past season, Artest adds toughness that the Lakers have been lacking. The team feeds off the toughness that Kobe brings on the court game in and game out, but another tough presences in the locker room helps the team. Artest is following the recent trend of veteran players taking less money and playing smaller roles on teams to win a championship. He is losing about $12 million dollars over the next three seasons compared to the amount that he could have possibly received from another team.

The move means the absolute departure of Trevor Ariza from the team, who was instrumental throughout the Lakers championship run. The two sides could not agree to terms, but the Lakers are a better team with Artest. Who knows? Head coach Phil Jackson may orchestrate his fourth three-peat as a head coach.