Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson would like the team to trade for Ron Artest, the Los Angeles Daily News reported Thursday.

However, the Daily News said the Lakers would not be willing to trade forward Lamar Odom.

"I don't see how you're going to get value out of this player who in my estimation is one of the most valuable players in the league," Jackson told the Daily News on Monday. "Of course, I estimate him perhaps higher than other people. But I think he's a terrific player. He adds a big dimension to every game he plays in."

Knicks president Isiah Thomas said he contacted the Pacers on Wednesday, but he won’t trade any of his young players for Artest.

Speaking before New York’s game against the Orlando Magic, Thomas acknowledged that the Knicks need to get better. They entered Wednesday’s game 6-14 after three straight losses.

One of the ways to do that could be trading for Artest, who this week asked to be dealt from the Indiana Pacers. The New York native said his preference would be to join the Knicks, and Thomas said he’d like to make that happen.

Thomas, who previously coached Indiana, said he called to ask about his former player but wouldn’t say what was discussed, or what he thought his chances were of getting him.

“I never discuss the conversations that we have, but you’re well aware that a phone call did take place today,” Thomas said.

“That ball’s in the Indiana Pacers’ court and I’m sure at the end of the day they will make the best decision for their organization and their franchise.”

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Any team seeking a trade with the Knicks would almost certainly ask about rookie Channing Frye, who is averaging 15.4 points and scored a career-high 30 on Monday night. New York has two other players, Nate Robinson and David Lee, who were drafted in the first round of this year’s draft.

Thomas was asked if he’d deal any of them.

“I wouldn’t,” Thomas said. “Wouldn’t part with any of them.”

Artest isn’t playing in Indiana’s game against Boston. He will be inactive with pay for at least the next three games as the Pacers explore trade possibilities.

Artest missed 73 games and the playoffs last year after the NBA suspended him for triggering a brawl with fans in Detroit. Though he leads the league in steals, is the Pacers’ second-leading scorer at 19.4 points per game and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2003-04, the Pacers have tired of the baggage he brings.

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“Obviously not having Ron, you take a step back,” Pacers leading scorer Jermaine O’Neal said. “Our business relationship is over, and that’s a fact. We’ve moved on as a team.”

Thomas understands that the Knicks would have to be prepared to deal with the problems Artest causes.

“He’s a great player and yes that is a concern, but I think anyone who trades for him or gets somebody... they understand exactly what they’re getting,” Thomas said.

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