[IrishHand]

Regardless of how much you like Walton (and I don't fwiw), what the Lakers lack is top-end talent. Artest is dominant defensively and a quality 3rd offensive option. He can guard 2s, 3s and a lot of 4s. Phil can handle nutjobs.

Plus, Phil's not too worried about positions anyway...you can rotate Fish/Kobe/Odom (ballhandlers) and Walton/Artest/Bynum on the floor for the bulk of the game, with the other scrubs getting spot minutes.

Regardless...my sole goal is for Kwame's contract to get turned into another quality player. Despite dire forecasts, I really think that the Lakers are one good player away from being legitimate, even in the West. Kobe's an elite talent, Odom's an All-Star, Bynum's looking better and better...one more and the team will be in solid shape.