Report: Lakers approach Kings about Artest
by FOXSports.com
The Sacramento Bee reports that the Los Angeles Lakers recently called the Kings regarding the availability of the All-Star forward, citing an NBA source. According to the paper, Lamar Odom was believed to be offered in return.
As of Tuesday evening, the Kings had not yet responded to the offer. Of course, Kings president Geoff Petrie declined to confirm whether the offer even existed.
"Right now, (Artest is) just a terrific player to have on your roster," Petrie said. "I don't really have any speculation one way or another (about his future). We'll see what other things — not specific to Ron — but if there's some other way we can improve the team or change the team, we'll take a look at it."
The Kings would need to include another player to make the salaries match up in a Odom-for-Artest deal. It is expected that Sacramento would insist on Kenny Thomas — and the $18 million remaining on his existing contract — being included in any potential deal.
The Kings' expected payroll is currently very close to the NBA's luxury tax limit ($71.15 million) and the team has stated that they do not plan to sign any further free agents.
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