Game Countdown: Artest vs. Ariza – Lakers @ Rockets

So we meet again, Mr. Ariza.  No hard feelings, I trust?  Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Tonight it is the same thing only with opposite colors.

For the first time since the two players switched teams via free agency, Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest will be squaring off against one another.  Through the early part of the season it sure looks like the Rockets got the better end of the deal since both teams are 3-1 and Ariza is leading Houston in scoring while Artest is floundering in the triangle offense.  Don’t for a second though think that means this battle is over.  Not by a long shot.

As much as everyone will want to focus on the individual match-up between the two players, these moves were both made with larger team goals in mind.  LA wanted to add some toughness and versatility to increase their chances at repeating whereas the Rockets wanted to find a young player they could hopefully develop into a cornerstone of their team so they contend down the line.  So while how the two do battle with each other in this game and in future games for the next several years will always be a cause of intrigue, the real winner will be measure not in points, assists or rebounds but in championship rings.

Los Angeles Lakers (3-1) @ Houston Rockets (3-1)

Game Info: 5:30 PM PT TV-KCAL  Radio-710 AM, 1330 AM

THREE Questions:

• Can the Rockets, who have just one player over 6′9″, stop Andrew Bynum from dominating the paint?  More importantly, will Drew recognize this opportunity and put out a dominant effort?
• Will Phil Jackson pay for having his starters play such heavy minutes last night knowing full well they had a game the next night against a rough and tumble Rocket squad?
• Have the Lakers developed a better gameplan for slowing down Aaron Brooks who was giving the Laker point guards fits with his quickness when these teams last met in the Western Conference Semifinals?

TWO Predictions:

• I have a bad feeling about tonight.  The Lakers might be tired, Kobe might still be ill and the bench isn’t doing anything.  I don’t like it, but the Lakers are probably going to add another tally to the L column.
• Ariza tries to show up his old team, but tries to hard and ends up having a bad night, especially with Artest pounding on him all night long.  He’ll outscore Ron, but he will also shoot under 35% and commit at least four turnovers.

ONE Wish:

• I wish for some actual ball security after their sloppy 25-turnover performance last night.

ZERO Tolerance for… this crappy bench.  You know things are bad when I am legitimately wondering what LA has to lose by giving Adam Morrison some significant minutes.  Not one Laker reserve is playing well right now and that just can’t stand.

Leave your own questions, answers, predictions or wishes as a comment or just hang out with us during the game or hit us up on Twitter @LakersOfFire.

Tags: Aaron Brooks, Andrew Bynum, bench mob, Game Countdown, Houston Rockets, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza