Greatest free agency signings in Los Angeles Lakers history: 7. Metta Sandiford-Artest
Metta Sandiford-Artest was such a talented player. Everyone in the New York area knew him well as he graced covers of various magazines while he was in high school as he was one of the nation’s top players.
Eventually, he would go on to play at St. John’s and then of course was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1999. Eventually, he would go on to play for the Houston Rockets, the Indiana Pacers, and the Sacramento Kings. He would be the missing piece the Lakers would need in order to topple the Boston Celtics in the 2009-10 season.
Artest came in and played a vital role for the team and was completely unselfish and cerebral as he joined the Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol cast. Everyone knew how good of a player he was as well as being a defensive juggernaut which is what the team needed.
He could shut down opposing players and was always counted on to hit a clutch shot. Another player that was completely fearless. Artest averaged 11.0 points per game that season as the Lakers went on to beat the Celtics in what would be one of the most exciting and nail-biting series between the two all-time rivals.
All Lakers fans will remember his clutch three-point shot in the Finals against the Celtics. Nothing was better than seeing him run down the court blowing kisses to the fans after he buried the bucket.