The Lakers need to keep searching the free agency landscape for muscle in their lineup now that Ron Artest announced he is not opting out of his contract and will fulfill his final year with the Sacramento Kings.
Artest told ESPN.com in an email that the Kings had been there for him, “so the best I could do is stay in my contract.” Artest, who played just 57 games because of injuries last season, averaged 20.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. He is set to earn $8 million in his final season in Sacramento.
The free agency market is lean this season with not many players in the pool. And many of those who have made the jump, the Lakers cannot afford given they are intent on keeping Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf. They have only one mid-level exception of around $6 million to offer a potential free agent.
That is if they don’t unload a player or two (Lamar Odom, Luke Walton) in a trade.
Antawn Jamison (resigned with the Wizards) and Corey Maggette (wants a lot more money) are, but the Celtics James Posey still could be an option.
