LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Reuters) – Free agent Trevor Ariza is poised to leave the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and join the Houston Rockets, while Ron Artest is expected to head in the other direction, according to local media reports on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Ariza agreed terms on a five-year contract with the Rockets, the Houston Chronicle reported on its website just hours after the Los Angeles Times said Artest had met with Lakers executives.

The NBA’s free-agent market opened on Wednesday, although players cannot officially sign with new teams until July 8.

Ariza, who has reportedly agreed to a $33 million contract with the Rockets, enjoyed a breakout season in 2008-09 when he averaged 8.9 points in the regular season.

Artest, 29, a veteran of 10 seasons in the league who was the 2004 NBA Defensive Player-of-the-Year, is expected to accept a slight pay cut on the $7.4 million he earned with the Rockets last season.

A formidable defender known for his physical presence, Artest averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season.