Ron Artest now part of Laker Tradition

Tradition helps immortalize a person's legend. Even role players are immortalized through tradition.

For example, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Brian Shaw, AC Green, Mychal Thompson, Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis, Gail Goodrich, Happy Hairston and many many more. Trevor could have gained that stardom as a role player in LA but now may lose it in his risk to 'be respected' or gain a 'larger role.'

Why do the Lakers have this tradition? Because the Lakers are very fortunate to mention in one sentence... "George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson."

Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and now Ron Artest shall join the tradition that is The Lakers. They shall be forever remembered in Laker lore. They shall have fans immortalize them through Hollywood, Youtube, and through merchandise.

Ron Artest's youtube videos are more negative than they are positive. They portray him as a beast or as a monster who is incapable of greatness and fan acceptance. However, in LA, his 'warrior like' attitude shall be appreciated. His "beast" shall be controlled in the Laker system and correctly released to further Laker success such that soon enough... there shall be more videos of him being the the competitive, strong and tough WINNER that he is.

He has proven himself in Indiana (sans the incident). Sacramento has fallen far without him. And now he has done what Yao and Tracy could not do. Taking that further... it is because of Ron Artest and his seven games that the Lakers gained the toughness necessary to dispatch Denver in 6 and Orlando in 5. It is very sad that his accomplishments lack the applause he so deserves. It is sad that the accomplishments in Houston lacks outrage Laker fans dole out due to our loss of Trevor Ariza. With this in mind, as Ron Artest has stated yes he has gained money and yes, Ron Artest has received the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, by joining the Lakers, Ron Artest will gain what he always lacked.

Respect, Love and Immortality. He shall gain them all through championships and the brotherhood of the Laker Tradition.