Let The Rumors Begin

Here we go! The fun part of the off-season: the trade and free agent rumors before free agency. And the Lakers are right in the middle of it all.

Despite coming two wins shy of their 15th title in franchise history, the Lakers will obviously be looking to find ways to improve the roster. Here's what we know so far:

• Trevor Ariza exercised the option on his contract, and will return next season.
• Chris Mihm will not opt out of his contract, and will also be returning next season.
• Salary cap restrictions will make it difficult for the Lakers to be active in the free-agent market if they intend to re-sign restricted free agents Rony Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic.
• Lamar Odom could be on the trading block with one year left on his contract.

Now for the BIG rumor: word is circulating around Laker and Sacramento King-land that Kings forward Ron Artest will opt out of his contract to sign a mid-level exception contract with the Lakers. This hasn't been confirmed obviously, and Artest has already indicated he's 99.9% sure he won't opt out. Obviously he's not going to say anything else otherwise until he actually does opt out. But word is he wants to play with Lamar Odom (even though other rumors suggest he could be traded to clear salary cap space) and Kobe. Either way, adding a player of Artest's stature would certainly help the Lakers, primarily because he's a defensive specialist who also happens to average about 18 points a game. This could be a HUGE signing if everything falls into place. Stay tuned...