Lakers Now The Clear NBA Betting Favorites After Adding Artest

There is a reason that Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest had a few moments of unrest during the past NBA season. Bryant and Artest re competitors that back down from nobody. Their level of intensity may be the highest of any two players in the league.

Now, that intensity will be on display every night and both players will be wearing the purple and gold. Artest signed a three year deal with the Lakers late Thursday, and it was an obvious case of the rich getting richer.

"The only thing this Lakers team has been missing for a couple of years now is that enforcer type player that could watch Kobe Bryant's back," said one league source, "with Artest and Bryant, the Lakers now have two of the top five defenders in the game."

Other executives have had similar thoughts about the move. Back in the day, Michael Jordan received help transitioning into his thirties from Dennis Rodman, now Artest will do the same for Bryant. It is yet another example of how Jordan and Bryant's career are paralleling.

The Lakers will almost certainly be the betting favorite when the new season begins. Even in winning the title last year Los Angeles had one glaring weakness, they still were considered not tough enough. That is no longer an issue.

As is the case with most championship teams, they can pinpoint their weaknesses and address them. The Lakers have done that by signing Artest, and now they get to be the hunted once again.

July 3, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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