The Los Angeles Lakers wanted Ron Artest.

Lakers fans wanted Ron Artest.

Kobe Bryant wanted Ron Artest.

Phil Jackson wanted Ron Artest.

The Houston Rockets also wanted Ron Artest.

The Rockets got Ron Artest.

The Lakers unwillingness to trade the services of Lamar Odom in order to acquire Ron Artest and Kenny Thomas has handed Artest over to the Rockets essentially ending the Lakers chances at acquiring a “bruiser” to their “soft” team.

Ron Artest is ecstatic about the deal and excited to have an opportunity to compete for a title. Of course, the other Rockets stars are yet to prove that they can come out of the first round, but surely with a guy like Artest and even Brent Barry joining the like of Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Shane Battier, and Luis Scola, the Rockets will finally be able to make some noise in the playoffs, hopefully not against the Lakers though.

As I watch the offseason continue to unfold, I am looking forward to the Lakers potentially signing Michael Finley, an older guy with lots of experience and plenty of heart. Also, while we’re stealing guys away from the Spurs, why don’t we pick up Robert Horry and finish off our roster with two well rounded veterans, one of which won three titles in LA with Kobe and Fisher.