"As expected, Lakers small forward Ron Artest was suspended this afternoon for one game by the NBA for cracking Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea in the face in the closing seconds of Game 2 on Wednesday night at Staples Center.

Artest will be barred from Game 3 on Friday night in Dallas, but will regain his eligibility for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. He spoke about his suspension and what it might mean to the team, but repeated himself again and again.

Asked for his reaction, Artest said, "No reaction."

Asked if he believed the suspension was justified, he said, "I'm just ready to move forward and play basketball. We have a big game tomorrow I don't know what's more important than Game 3." "