Obama meets with Lakers,

An avid basketball fan himself, Obama said he gets enormous pleasure from watching excellence on the court -- and nobody exemplified excellence more than the Lakers last year, as they won their 15th league title, defeating the Orlando Magic.

Obama said he was especially excited to meet Lakers' coach Phil Jackson, who has won 10 championships, though he didn't hesitate to point out that six of those victories were with Obama's hometown Chicago Bulls.

"You remember that," Obama joked with former Lakers all-star Magic Johnson, who was on the losing end of the Bulls 1991 victory.

Obama commended the Lakers players not only for their athletic achievements, but also their work off the court. The players held a fitness clinic for Washington-area school children Monday, and several players are donating money to relief efforts in Haiti.

The Lakers added to Obama's collection of sports jerseys, presenting him with a bright yellow jersey with the president's name stitched on the back.

Lakers (January Opponent)

Upcoming Games

Time Local TV Nat TV Radio

Mon 18 vs Orlando 7:30pm 710/1330 AM ESPN

Thu 21 @ Cleveland 5:00pm 710/1330 AM ESPN

Fri 22 @ New York 5:00pm KCAL 710/1330 AM ESPN

Sun 24 @ Toronto 3:00pm KCAL 710/1330 AM ESPN

Tue 26 @ Washington 4:00pm KCAL 710/1330 AM ESPN

Wed 27 @ Indiana 4:00pm KCAL 710/1330 AM ESPN

Fri 29 @ Philadelphia 4:00pm KCAL 710/1330 AM ESPN

Sun 31 @ Boston 12:30pm 710/1330 AM ESPN

in love with his new team LA LAKERS

With the addition of Ron Artest to the basketball roster of Los Angeles Lakers, sports aficionados are more excited to see how well he would jell with his new NBA team.

It cannot be denied that, in order to penetrate into the most prestigious basketball association in the world; one must have talent. But talent alone cannot win championships, as most sports enthusiasts believe. A talented player must also jell effectively with the team's basketball roster. And that is what LA Lakers fans are aching to see as the season starts with Ron Artest in their fold.

Ron Artest is one player who has a very good work ethic, never-say-die attitude, and unpredictable personality on the court that keeps his guards guessing on what move he will be doing next.

This 6'7, 260 pound frame, with fiery muscles, is already a 12-year NBA veteran with the following season averages: 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3. assists, 2.1 steals; in addition to these, were his numerous All-Star appearances, several All-Defensive Team memberships, and a Defensive Player of the year award.

Artest, who was acquired from the basketball roster of Houston Rockets will join the Lakers elite cast of point guards like Kobe Bryant, Derrick Fisher, Lamar Odom, and Paul Gasol. The inclusion of Ron Artest into the Lakers' roster will allow them to play against small lineups of brilliant NBA teams.

The length of Gasol, and Odom, putting in Artest's ruffian strength can very well match the Boston Celtics' lineup of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace.

On the other side of it, Phil Jackson can also go big with a very defensively intimidating force of newly-signed Shannon Brown; add Artest-Bryant-Gasol-Bynum that belittles a potential Cleveland basketball roster of O'Neal, Williams, West, James, and Varejao.

It is a fact that versatility was the key in their championships in 2008-09 title run with Trevor Artiza still playing in Artest's present position now. So, there will be a reinventing of plays and tricks already. This will absolutely give Lakers a new look.

Artest is obviously in love with his new team LA LAKERS. Yet, LAKERS fan will surely love Ron Artest soon. The Lakers team is sure to miss Ariza in their basketball roster. This lanky swingman played a big role in the Lakers title conquest.

On the other team's part, Artest will definitely be a big loss for Houston Rockets. He is the second primary offensive option after Yao Ming. Yet, life goes on with their separate careers.