In the playoffs is where Ron’s true value is realized. It is a luxury to have a 6’7’’ 260 lb. forward who can guard multiple positions. We all remember how instrumental Ron was in Game 7 against the Celtics. He made key steals, hit timely threes, rebounded, and did all the intangibles that don’t show up on the stat sheet. Phil Jackson proclaimed Ron as the MVP of Game 7.
This year during the playoffs, Ron will match up against stars like Kevin Durant and Manu Ginobili in the West. Before Ron joined the Lakers, Kobe would draw the toughest defensive assignment. Now with Ron guarding the opposing team’s best player Kobe can get some rest on defense.
Ron’s hard-nosed defense will be instrumental in helping the Lakers win in the playoffs. So while some will discount Ron because of his off-court antics and random interviews, he is an important piece of the Lakers’ championship hopes. Personally, I get a kick out of his crazy quotes and I respect his honesty. He can’t help being who he is and that makes him the most real person in the league.
In true Ron Artest fashion I’d like to end this article with some words of wisdom from his famous Twitter feed: “remember if u dont let ur tears out it will form a gas type substance more lethal than southern chitlins.”
Yes. Classic Ron Ron.