"The ongoing verbal sparring between Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and the Lakers continued this week, with Cuban joking that he would like to see Ron Artest playing in the post during the game between the teams Thursday at Staples Center.

"Anything that puts the ball in Ron Artest's hands is always a good thing," Cuban said. "And you can tell him that I'll even take him out for ice cream. Of all the choices you have on that team, you want Ron Artest making decisions in the triangle."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who likes to crack back at Cuban just as frequently and sarcastically, took another jab at his target when asked about Cuban's comments. Jackson said Cuban likes to "prick the skin of people, but he's not a player.""