Artest Will Make Lakers Better, But Not Best

Is Ron Artest an upgrade over the player he was unofficially traded for?

Yes.

But not by as wide a margain as people may think.

Compared to Trevor Ariza, Artest brings more toughness (an element the Lakers desperately needed), someone who can create his own shot, play either forward position interchangably, play better defense, and rebound better.

But Trevor Ariza was a steady force that made key plays, open shots, and never minded being an "unknown" on a team where Kobe comes first, second, and third, Gasol fourth, Phil Jackson fifth, Lamar Odom sixth, and everyone else not so much seventh as they are last.

Now, did Artest ressurect his career in the court of public opinion? 

Well, um, no one was killed last season.