"Ron Artest is joining teammate Lamar Odom in the world of reality television -- but unlike "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" ... this show actually has a positive social message.

Artest -- who is no stranger to getting second chances -- is helping mentor a group of parolees as part of a show called, "Last Second Shot." Ron Ron will work with a team of mental health experts and life coaches to help the parolees take control of their lives. "