29-year old Ron Artest took less money to play for the Lakers and he has been a great player this pre-season as he appears to be on his best behavior. The Lakers hope that he acts his age all season but the early returns on him are good. Artest played in 69 games 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. Artest plays hard on both ends of the basketball court so he will likely be a huge asset for the Lakers this season. 29-year old Luke Walton will back up Artest at small forward this season. He played in 65 games for the Lakers last season and he averaged 17.9 minutes, 5.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He has started in the past for the Lakers so he would do a good job if he had to step in for Artest at any point this season. 25-year old Adam Morrison is #3 in line at small forward. He played in 52 games for the Bobcats and Lakers last season in which he averaged 13.7 minutes, 4.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. Morrison likely won’t get much court time this season for the Lakers.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: B