Sam Amick, a sports writer for the Sacramento Bee, has reported that the LA Lakers have contacted the Kings about Ron Artest, according to a league source. The Kings have not responded yet.

LA’s disappointing performance in the finals, and recent loss of reserve forward Ronny Turiaf to free agency, might be enough to make LA do a deal to add Artest’s toughness and defense to the team. It is assumed that Lamar Odom, a versatile, albeit inconsistent, forward would be the main piece offered in the proposal.

On the flip side, the Kings are finished with the Ron Artest experiment. Artest has been relatively well behaved over the past few years, but he still has had legal issues and an inconsistent attitude towards the team. He has often decided when he plays, and has been criticized for his selfish play at times. If this deal is to be made, it’s assumed the Kings would insist LA relieve them of forward Kenny Thomas. Thomas, who is making over $16 million over the next two seasons, is another player the Kings would be only too happy to see leave. Despite rising gas prices, you’d still see a line of Kings fans willing to drive Kenny to the airport.

Additional Info:

Ron Artest -The Kings acquired the 6′7” forward back in 2006 for Peja Stojakovic. Ron is still one of the premiere individual defenders in the game, and his absence from the All-Defensive team has me scratching my head. Artest recently decided not to opt out of the last year of his deal, and will be paid about $8.5 million.

Artest averaged 20.5 PPG, 5.8 REB, 3.5 AST in 57 games last season.

Lamar Odom - Odom is one of the most versatile players in the game, and has great ball handling ability for a player his size. Unfortunately, he’s had issues with his consistency. Phil Jackson, the Lakers’ head coach, has commented publicly on Odom’s fragile mindset. Odom was instrumental in LA reaching the NBA Finals last season. He is also in the last year of his deal, worth about $14.6 million.

Odom averaged 14.2 PPG, 10.6 REB, 3.5 AST in 77 games last season.

Artest and Odom are good friends and have known each other for years. Both are from Queens, New York, and Artest attended a game of the NBA Finals to support Odom. Artest has expressed a desire to play with Odom.