The Lakers have signed 29-year old SG/SF Ron Artest to a long term deal. Artest played in 69 games (55 starts) for the Rockets last season and he averaged 35.5 minutes, 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He has now played in 604 games (562 starts) in his NBA career and he has averaged 34.8 minutes, 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Artest is a good offensive player but a great defensive player. He should do a good job for the Lakers and Phil Jackson has a history of getting the best out of perceived troubled players (Dennis Rodman) in the past.