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In July, Ron Artest left the Houston Rockets to sign a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest, a terrific defender, was brought in to replace Trevor Ariza as the glue-guy for the defending world champions. Of course, the game of musical chairs was just beginning. When the music stopped a few hours later, Ariza, who was also without a contract, inked his own long-term deal for mid-level exception money with the Rockets ... This summer, he took his position. Last night, he threw his shoe.

In July, Ron Artest left the Houston Rockets to sign a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest, a terrific defender, was brought in to replace Trevor Ariza as the glue-guy for the defending world champions.

Of course, the game of musical chairs was just beginning. When the music stopped a few hours later, Ariza, who was also without a contract, inked his own long-term deal for mid-level exception money with the Rockets.

The switch was complete. Artest and Ariza had swapped teams.

Last night, Houston and L.A. met at Staples Center, so the circumstances were already a touch awkward for these blue-collar swings. Things went from awkward to amusing when Artest tossed Ariza’s loose shoe during the course of play.

Watch the clip below and tell us if you think an Artest-Ariza rivalry is brewing? 



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