Ron Artest's Emergence to the Lakers

Just how important is it for the Lakers to be successful in order for Ron Artest to simply fit in? The answer? There is no answer. Because Phil Jackson is the LA Lakers head coach, he knows how to blend in and out outrageous personalities and handling the likes of Dennis Rodman in the past should be no problem handling the volatile Ron Artest. The burly, muscular small forward is forever known in Detroit for charging into the stands and fighting with the NBA fans simply because someone threw a paper cup at him, igniting one of the worst NBA basketball brawls in sports history. For Artest's role within the Lakers organization, not much has changed. He has the task of taking charge of the team's defense, while his fellow teammate, Kobe Bryant ignites the Laker offense. Artest can simply dominate the perimeter defender, whoever he has, and on the offensive end, simply overpower his defender with his bionic combination of strength and power. The Lakers will be successful with Artest, if Ron-Ron can balance his off-court antics with his talents on the basketball court. He must not get involved with any kind of extracurricular activity, nor jeopardize his tenure while with the Lakers. I can see Artest simply dominating the opponents' offensive strategies, because he is so good and so dominanting on defense.