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Ron Artest News & Rumors

Metta World Peace is a Lakers starter, but nothing is permanent
February 1
Los Angeles Times
 
"It's Metta World Peace's turn. It's anyone's guess whether he can do the job for the Lakers. He became their third small forward to start a game, the revolving door not spitting out much production at the position through 22 games. Devin Ebanks started the first four games, then Matt Barnes got the next 16, followed by World Peace the last two games. The trio averaged a combined 14.9 points before Tuesday's game against Charlotte, or only 51% of LeBron James' scoring average for Miami (29.2 points)."
World Peace to remain as a starter with Lakers
January 30
L.A. Daily News
 
"The switch was a success if only because the Lakers actually defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Since they won, Lakers coach Mike Brown said he would stick with Metta World Peace as his starting small forward. World Peace (the former Ron Artest) didn't exactly fill up the box score. He didn't make any memorable shots. In fact, he didn't make any shots. He scored only two points on 2 of 4 free throws, and had four rebounds and three assists in just over 33 minutes in his first start of 2011-12. He also had two blocked shots and two turnovers and one of the best postgame wisecracks."
Brown might be ready to give World Peace a chance
January 29
L.A. Daily News
 
"Metta World Peace started Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks on the bench, but Lakers coach Mike Brown indicated his days as a backup to small forward Matt Barnes could be nearing an end. "I like him on the second unit," Brown said. "I want to give him a chance to be with that second unit. But, at the end of the day, there is a chance I would throw him in the (starting) lineup if I thought it would help our team. "Yeah, I'm not opposed to that." Brown's rationale for moving World Peace to the bench to start the season was sound. After the Lakers traded Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks last month and Shannon Brown signed with the Phoenix Suns, Brown searched for a way to bolster"
Metta World Peace is the core of Lakers' reserve corps
January 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"As Metta World Peace goes, so go the Lakers. Their second unit, anyway. He's been hit or miss this season, metta or messy, scoring 19 points one game but following it up a few days later with no points on 0-for-8 shooting. Lakers Coach Mike Brown made a move already at small forward, replacing Devin Ebanks with Matt Barnes in the starting lineup. He continued to have faith in World Peace. Brown likes him with the second unit because he can find his own shot there, no longer competing with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum for touches."
When it comes to Metta World Peace, change is slow to catch on
December 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Some people call him by the name he was given at birth. Others use the one he gave himself in a filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court. There also is a handful of people who stumble, not sure what to say. Welcome to the new world of the former Ron Artest. The Lakers forward was officially allowed to change his name to Metta World Peace after paying an unspecified number of outstanding parking tickets, as per a judge's order, in September. Since then, Lakers practices and games are a grab bag of names for the guy wearing No. 15. Ron. Metta. Ron-Ron. Peace. A little help? "I told the guys, 'Don't feel bad if you call me Ron,' " World Peace said Thursday. "If fans want to call me Ron,"
Metta World Peace shows he can soar to top of Lakers' reserves
December 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Metta World Peace has been accused of a lot of things — wild shots, crazy ramblings, bad dance moves — but after one rousing moment Tuesday, a failure to launch won't be among the criticisms any time soon. After faking a three-pointer late in the second quarter, World Peace drove past Utah's Derrick Favors and soared for a one-handed dunk that electrified the Staples Center crowd. It was a symbolic snapshot for the forward who continues to take off as the leader of the Lakers' second unit. World Peace finished the Lakers' 96-71 victory over the Jazz with 14 points and five rebounds, giving him 33 points in his last two games. That's his biggest two-game scoring spree since he combined for"
The mixed messages of Metta World Peace
December 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"Three months after he changed his name and went sashaying across a ballroom floor on national television, Metta World Peace has stepped back into a familiar role. Dancing with strange thoughts. Take his view on all the trade rumors involving the Lakers: "I've been more focused on the Herman Cain presidential campaign this year," he said. "I want some Godfather's Pizza." Then there's his opinion on teammate Lamar Odom being traded to the Dallas Mavericks: "Honestly, I don't even know what happened. I just woke up and I had some beans this morning and I read something, but I don't believe everything I read." And finally, there's his response to a reporter who inquired about some teammates"
Metta World Peace is a leader … of the second unit
December 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"Mike Brown is giving Metta World Peace a chance … to come off the bench. The Lakers coach said the small forward who has started every game he has played since coming to Los Angeles two years ago will bolster the second unit, giving World Peace more scoring opportunities and a bigger leadership role. As World Peace spoke with reporters about the switch Thursday at the Lakers' training facility, Brown walked over and draped an arm around the veteran's shoulders. "If that second unit isn't rolling, whose fault is it?" Brown asked. Said World Peace: "My fault." Said Brown: "It's on you." World Peace appeared to embrace the change, saying it would force teams to double-team him or face the"
Metta World Peace: 'I don't really base my life around money'
November 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"Metta World Peace might make other NBA players cringe when he talks about the lockout. His goes on random tangents. He doesn't speak like a politician the way players' union President Derek Fisher does. And, well, how does anyone expect an owner or NBA Commissioner David Stern to take someone seriously after he changes his name to Metta World Peace? So of course, some players may dislike what he said Friday afternoon about the NBA labor negotiations: "When I came to the Lakers, it wasn't about money for me. It wasn't about money. I didn't even negotiate. I asked, 'What do you want to give me?' and I signed it. Other players have concerns, but I don't really base my life around money." But"
Metta World Peace gets acting gig on BET show
October 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"The NBA faces plenty of consequences the longer this lockout lasts. Some point to compensation: The loss of paychecks will hurt far more for concession and team employees than the owners and players. Some point to entertainment value: The NBA at least temporarily hurts its product to fans, while they can't get their pro basketball fix. But there's one tiny silver lining: Metta World Peace will continue to appear in the headlines for reasons that have nothing to do with basketball."
News flash: Ron Artest can't dance
September 20
Los Angeles Times
 
"Heavens to Murgatroyd, Ron Artest can't dance under any name, and he proved it on tonight's season premeire of "Dancing with the Stars." Even though he changed his name last week to Metta World Peace, DWTS host Tom Bergeron made a point of saying Artest would be dancing under his original name. And there's little chance Artest will be changing his name to Gregory Hines in the future."
Ron Artest guarantees Lakers will win 2012 NBA title
September 1
Los Angeles Times
 
"The picture you see on the left of Kobe Bryant pouring the champagne over Ron Artest's head perfectly captures the excitement following the Lakers' Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics to secure the 2010 NBA title. That champagne celebration happened just as Artest began to pour out his emotions. When reporters arrived moments later, Artest recapped the circuitous route he took to finally arrive at this point, a destination that proved as lengthy as his recollection. Then, in one of the most memorable postgame press conferences, Artest thanks his psychologist. It may all feel like a distant memory considering how the Lakers ended the 2011 postseason with a four-game sweep to the Dallas"
Ron Artest to donate money earned on 'Dancing With the Stars' to cancer research
August 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Concerns over his poor dance moves and mobility quickly evaporated for Ron Artest as soon as he talked with his 8-year-old daughter Diamond. She's the only one who the Lakers forward said could convince him to appear on "Dancing With the Stars." "She said, 'Daddy, you can do it,' " Artest recalled Monday in a phone interview. "It's going to be fun." It wasn't just a case of Artest being unable to say no to his daughter. At age 4 in 2007, Diamond was diagnosed with wilms tumor, Artest said, a kidney cancer that affects children. So in honor of his daughter successfully fighting the illness, Artest said he plans to donate the money he earns on "Dancing with the Stars" to the Cancer Research"
Ron Artest to appear on "Dancing With the Stars"
August 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Ron Artest is about to embark on a new venture far more complicated and difficult than learning the triangle offense. He's going to appear on ABC's hit show "Dancing With the Stars," as announced on Bachelor Pad. (The Times' Yvonne Villareal has a complete rundown on the cast.) Considering his many public proclamations that he doesn't know how to dance, Artest's appearance might increase the entertainment value. It'll be like seeing Artest trip over his feet while running a fast break, or taking an ill-advised three-pointer. As Artest said earlier this summer: "I play defense. I don't know if I dance.""
No name change for Artest just yet
August 26
Yahoo! Sports
 
"World Peace is on hold, at least for a few more weeks. Artest was not able to officially change his name to Metta World Peace on Friday as planned because he first has to clear outstanding traffic warrants, a court official told reporters in L.A. Artest's next court date is set for Sept. 16. Artest had been looking forward to announcing the official change. "You can call me Ron today and then it's over. It's a wrap," Artest said Thursday afternoon. "It's about love, world peace. Everybody can relate to that, whether it's in the same community or the same state or the same country or whether it's a country going to war. "It's about world peace. You know what I mean? The kids need to know"
Is Artest's deal with Cheshire in trouble?
August 20
CBSSports.com
 
"For a second there, it looked like the painfully on again, off again relationship with the Cheshire Jets was finally definitively on. So naturally, there had to be a hiccup of some kind to make it look like everything could fall apart. Basically, it's an insurance issue for the Cheshire Jets. The small English club is having trouble getting the needed insurance to support Artest playing for them. And without it, there's no way Artest plays for them. "The next few days we need to work really hard," team director Pete Hawkins told the Chester Chronicle. "Insurance was always an issue from the outset but we are still trying hard to ensure Ron has the protection he needs to play." Artest,"
Ron Artest, Cheshire Jets Struggling To Reach Contract Agreement
August 19
SB Nation
 
"Ron Artest and the Cheshire Jets have been one of the more interesting sagas to follow this offseason, at least in terms of NBA players looking at overseas options during the NBA lockout. Heck, the man to be known in the future as Metta World Peace might even star in a British soap opera! Unfortunately, it seems all that has been put on hold. At least for the time being, the two sides are unable to come to an agreement according to a release posted on the Chester-based team's website."
Cheshire Jets reportedly offer Ron Artest help in off-court roles
August 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"Conceding that the British Basketball League's Cheshire Jets don't have the financial resources to sign Lakers forward Ron Artest, Jets director Peter Hawkins told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that the team will try to land Artest unspecified music and television roles. "You'll appreciate that we haven't got the means to entice someone of Ron's standing on financial grounds," Hawkins said in the report, adding that one possibility for Artest might entail starring in a British soap opera. "Our commitment is to help raise Ron's profile in the UK in order to help him develop his music and movie career over here while playing basketball." Artest's publicist, Courtney Barnes, couldn't be reached for"
Ron Artest: "I'm definitely going to play for the Jets"
August 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"Even though he doesn't have a contract finalized, Lakers forward Ron Artest declared his intention to play for the British Basketball League's Cheshire Jets. "I'm definitely going to play for the Jets," Artest said in a phone interview Thursday night. "I'm definitely going to play for the Jets." That brings near closure to a series of negotiations that Artest said lasted for two months and expects to finalize soon. At first, he remained wary about that possibility because the uncertainty on how long the NBA lockout lasts. His agent, David Bauman, wanted to seek insurance for Artest in case he was injured. But with the league and players union appearing to make little progress on a"
Ron Artest to Cheshire Jets not a done deal
August 10
Los Angeles Times
 
"Lakers forward Ron Artest will be in the United Kingdom from Aug. 18 to 23 to speak with officials with the British Basketball League's Cheshire Jets about possibly playing overseas with them during the NBA lockout, Artest's publicist, Courtney Barnes, said Tuesday evening. The Times previously reported that Artest would play with the Jets, although it wasn't clear when he would first put on the uniform, according to a person who was familiar with the negotiations but wasn't authorized to speak about it publicly. That person has since said they misunderstood the question and that the deal has not been finalized."
One month until Meta World Peace
August 3
TMZ.com
 
"Ron Artest is a shameless self-promoter -- because over the last month, he had an L.A. newspaper print FOUR items about his new name ... and it could change the way he's identified forever. Long story short -- anyone looking to officially change their name in the State of California has to get a public declaration of the name change PRINTED in a local newspaper 4 times -- once a week, 4 weeks in a row."
Ron Artest will not appear on "Dancing with the Stars"
August 1
Orange County Register
 
"With Ron Artest, you never know what is fact and what is fiction and this summer has been a stream of rumors surrounding the Lakers star. For example, before his first Ultimate Comedy Tour show at the Brea Improv on Friday, Artest said the tour organizers want him to play host to more shows (Brea was the final stop of the scheduled four-city tour) and he would forgo playing overseas during the lockout. After the show, Artest talked about how he still has his sites set on playing in Manchester, England if the lockout extends into the fall. Will he play or won't he play? Then there is the "Dancing With The Stars" rumors. Artest said he will not be appearing on the popular dancing show"
Keep calm and carry on: Ron Artest might be going to England
July 30
Yahoo! Sports
 
"As it turns out, we might be wrong. Ron Artest(notes) might be playing basketball in England. Mirrored with Friday's news that FIBA isn't going to contest any clashing contract agreements between the NBA and its wandering players, it appears that Ron Artest may be nearing a deal with the Cheshire Jets of the British Basketball League. Why the Cheshire Jets aren't named "the Cheshire Cats," I don't know. Why Artest is going to play in England, instead of some other, stronger international league, I don't know. Why I'm typing as if I'm writing for Eric Idle? Well, you know that answer. Here's the incredibly British-sounding pull quote from the Chester Chronicle (via SBN): The LA Lakers"
Artest in talks to join 'Dancing with The Stars?'
July 27
CBSSports.com
 
"TMZ reports that Ron Artest is in discussions to join the cast of popular television gameshow "Dancing with the Stars" as a contestant: Nothing's official yet -- but sources tell us, both Artest and "Dancing" producers have been in touch to hash out a possible deal ... and Ron's pretty excited about the prospect.But here's the catch -- "Dancing" won't end 'til November and basketball season typically starts in October ... which means if the lockout ends early, Ron could be S.O.L. This is a terrible idea for any NBA player, plain and simple."
Agent: Ron Artest weighing options
July 12
ESPN.com
 
"Where in the world will Ron Artest, a.k.a. Metta World Peace, be playing basketball next? It's been less than two weeks since the NBA lockout went into place and the Los Angeles Lakers forward has already been linked to two different European destinations. And already, both basketball locales -- Finland and England -- have been debunked by Artest's agent, David Bauman."
Ron Artest plans to play in British Basketball League during lockout
July 11
Los Angeles Times
 (scroll down)
"Artest said he was so upset by the four-game sweep by the Dallas Mavericks, he began practicing immediately. "I worked out at the practice facility at 4 a.m. after we landed from Dallas," he said in the pre-show interview. "Shot for an hour." Artest also said he is going overseas to play during the lockout, but not where you might think. Instead of playing for one of the prestigious teams in southern Europe, he plans to play for either the Cheshire Jets or Glasgow Rocks of the British Basketball League."
A funny thing happened to the Lakers' Ron Artest
July 10
Los Angeles Times
 columnist Bill Plaschke
"Amid these increasingly difficult times of conflict and strife, I set out Friday night in search of world peace. On a stage at the Hollywood Improv, I found him. "I changed my name because I got tired of Ron Artest, he's a [expletive]," said Metta World Peace. "And when fans get mad at me, they can't say, 'I hate World Peace.' " Wanting to give World Peace a chance, I met the Lakers forward in his first public appearance since he petitioned to legally change his name earlier this summer. We shook hands and I called him Ron. I didn't use his new first name because, frankly, I had no idea which part was his first name. "World Peace is going on the back of my jersey, so Metta is my first"
Ron Artest's agent shoots down reports that he will play in Finland
June 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Amid various Internet reports indicting Lakers forward Ron Artest plans to play for a Finland professional basketball team, agent David Bauman said they aren't true and are nothing more than a "publicity stunt." "I'm his agent and nothing has come across my desk," Bauman said. "Although Ron has asked me to explore all options over in Europe in the event of a prolonged lockout, there are several legal and business considerations that have to be addressed. The biggest one involves insurance. None of those have been addressed and I don't even know who this guy claiming to have an agreement is. Final thing is what if the league has a lockout for say two weeks and then end up getting a deal. It"
Artest to play in Finland?
June 28
Pro Basketball Talk
 
"We warn you to take this report out of Finland with more salt than you would use to make graavikala — traditional Finnish salt-cured fish. So a lot. But the Finnish paper iltasanomat.fi is reporting Ron Artest has agreed to play "multiple games" with Loimaan Korikonkarit of the Finnish league (Ball in Europe has the translation and confirmation). These would be some preseason games, apparently, although if there is a lockout still going on it could be extended, te report says. That team has the same GM who three years ago brought in a 42-year-old Scottie Pippen for one game, and before that had Dennis Rodman for about as long (at the GM's previous team). If it were most players we'd blow"
Ron Artest wants to legally change his name to Metta World Peace
June 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"Just when you thought you had seen it all regarding Ron Artest ... The Lakers forward filed paperwork Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court to legally change his name to Metta World Peace. "Metta" is a Buddhist term. One definition for the word is "a strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others." NBA players need to file papers with the league to change their jersey number, but no such action is necessary for name changes, according to a league official. It is up to the Lakers, and Artest, to determine if his new name will appear on the back of his jersey. Other NBA players who changed their names include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (from Lew Alcindor), Bison Dele (from Brian"
76ers, Lakers talk Iguodala deal; Wolves in play for Philly swingman
June 23
SI.com
 
"The 76ers are continuing to explore trade options for Andre Iguodala, and league sources said that a deal with the Lakers involving Lamar Odom has been discussed recently. While it's unclear whether the deal has real potential or is still alive, it's yet another sign that the Sixers are determined to land an impact player while improving their salary-cap situation in any trade for their second-leading scorer and top defender. Iguodala is owed a combined $44 million for the next three seasons (including $13.5 million next season), while Odom is set to make $8.9 million next season in the final guaranteed year of his contract."
Ron Artest - welcome to reality ... television
June 6
TMZ.com
 
"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."
Ron Artest takes on peacemaker role In L.A. nightclub attack
June 1
TMZ.com
 
"Los Angeles Lakers star Ron Artest helped break up a ferocious man vs. woman fistfight in front of an L.A. nightclub this weekend ... and TMZ obtained footage of the entire incident. Artest had just left a club -- and was walking down Hollywood Blvd. when a woman and a man began to throw punches at each other right next to the NBA superstar. After some bobbing and weaving, 6'7", 260 pound Artest stepped in and quickly separated the two combatants. Once both fighters were restrained, Artest got into a waiting vehicle and went home."
Ron Artest anticipates full season
May 23
ESPN.com
 
"Lakers forward Ron Artest doesn't believe the NBA labor situation will result in an NFL-style lockout and expects to play an 82-game regular season beginning in October. "I don't think there's going to be a long lockout," Artest said Sunday night. "I don't think we're going to miss any games. I think there's going to be some negotiations but I see us playing in October. I think [NBA commissioner] Mr. [David] Stern and [NBA Players Association director] Mr. [Billy] Hunter will resolve it. I think they're going to learn from the NFL lockout. America isn't America without sports. You wouldn't want to be the guy who messed up sports.""
Lakers just as baffling as Artest's answers
May 8
Orange County Register
 columnist Jeff Miller
"He rejoined his teammates on the court Saturday, the only Lakers' regular who didn't have a part Friday in the team's latest loss. That's because Ron Artest beat the rush, contributing ahead of time, flagrantly fouling the face of one of the Mavericks late in Game 2, resulting in his immediate disqualification and subsequent one-game dismissal. Rest assured, Lakers fans, Artest is not the least bit rusty, though, returning very much in form. Repeatedly asked where he watched Game 3, he repeatedly answered, "Ah, I forgot." So the Lakers are intact again, if not completely whole as they attempt to do something not even this most accomplished of franchises has ever done. Win a best-of-7"
NBA suspends Artest for one game
May 6
Orange County Register
 
"Foward Ron Artest has been suspended for one game by the NBA for his foul on Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea in the closing seconds of Wednesday's 93-81 loss to Dallas. In Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals series, Artest clothes-lined the Mavericks guard. Artest was immediately ejected after picking up his second technical foul. He did not talk to media after the game but did speak to reporters after Thursday's practice. He was was a man of few words, those being of "move forward" and "big game tomorrow." What's your thoughts about the suspension? "I have no reaction. I'm ready to move forward. Play basketball," he said. Do you think it (suspension) was justified then? "I'm"
Artest's suspension could be worse for Mavericks than Lakers
May 6
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Nothing is going to change for the Lakers' Ron Artest in Game 3 Friday night. He'll still be missing. But this time, he won't even be allowed in American Airlines Center since the league suspended him for a game for swinging his arm and striking J.J. Barea in the face with 24.4 seconds left in the game. It was a boneheaded play by Artest. The silliness of it alone should have been a suspendable offense, not to mention the fact that it was a dirty play. Anyway, the debate can begin now about whether it's a good thing for the Mavericks or not. There's a decent chance that LA coach Phil Jackson now moves Lamar Odom into the starting lineup. Either that or noted Mav-punker Matt"
Lakers forward Ron Artest suspended for Game 3
May 6
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Ron Artest won't have to worry about trying to defend Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki tonight when Game 3 of the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series moves to American Airlines Center.Artest won't even be at the AAC. The NBA suspended the Los Angeles Lakers forward for one game without pay (roughly $57,000) after he swung his arm and clobbered guard J.J. Barea across the face with 24.4 seconds left in Game 2 on Wednesday night at Staples Center.Artest was accessed a technical foul and ejected from the game. The NBA also classified his infraction as a flagrant foul two.After the game, Mavericks guard Jason Terry joked about the hit on Barea, saying: "That was nothing. I"
Ron Artest suspended one game for flagrant foul
May 6
L.A. Daily News
 
"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.""
Artest suspended for Game 3 against Dallas
May 6
San Antonio Express-News
 
"As expected, Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest was suspended for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals after he was ejected for clotheslining Dallas guard J.J. Barea in the final seconds in Game 2. The official NBA release indicates that Artest was suspended for swinging his arm and striking the face of Barea. Artest's contact also has been classified by the NBA as a Flagrant Foul Two. The incident occurred with 24.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks' 93-81 victory over the Lakers at Staples Center Wednesday night. The visual evidence seems to be rather conclusive that the punishment was just for Artest, who was awarded the league's citizenship"
NBA suspends Lakers' Ron Artest for Game 3 for hit on Mavs' Barea
May 6
Dallas Morning News
 
"Lakers forward Ron Artest received a one-game suspension from the NBA on Thursday for his flagrant forearm to the face of Mavericks guard J.J. Barea in the final minute of Game 2. The penalty leaves the two-time defending champions without their starting small forward for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals Friday. Artest said he had "no reaction" to the decision and repeated more than a half-dozen times that the Lakers have to "move forward." "We'll just move forward. We've still got a long way to go, so we'll just move forward and play basketball," said Artest, who received his second technical foul of the game and was ejected on the play. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he was"
Ron Artest suspended for one game, will sit out Friday's game
May 6
Los Angeles Times
 
"Lakers forward Ron Artest will sit out Game 3 of the playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks because of a one-game suspension handed down by the NBA. Artest was ejected from Game 2 with 24.4 seconds left after smacking Dallas guard Jose Barea in the face with his forearm. It was Artest's second technical foul of the game. The Lakers will start either Lamar Odom or Matt Barnes in Artest's place Friday. Luke Walton might see his first playing time of the playoffs. Artest will forfeit $57,476 in pay for the suspension. He had a strong start to the playoffs against New Orleans but has tailed off in the Western Conference semifinals against Dallas, averaging 6.5 points while making only"
Suspension for Lakers' Artest coming?
May 5
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are down two games to none to the Dallas Mavericks and may have to go into the third game of the series without a fella who is averaging 10.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Forward Ron Artest could be watching from the sidelines when the teams square off again, the Los Angeles Times reports. He "clothesline(d) Dallas guard Jose Barea in the closing seconds of the Lakers' 93-81 Game 2 loss Wednesday," the paper notes."
Jackson believes Ron Artest will be suspended for ejection
May 5
Los Angeles Times
 
"After watching a clip of Lakers forward Ron Artest clothesline Dallas guard Jose Barea in the closing seconds of the Lakers' 93-81 Game 2 loss Wednesday to the Mavericks, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson conceded there's a "good chance" Artest will be suspended for Game 3 on Friday. "It's uncalled for," said Jackson, a rare admission considering he often argues on his players' behalf when certain ejections shouldn't result in a suspension. "It's a good chance he'll be suspended, but I hope not.""
Ron Artest wins NBA's 2010-11 citizenship award
April 27
Orange County Register
 
"Six and a half years since the infamous Pacers-Pistons brawl, Ron Artest has won the NBA's longest-running citizenship and community-service award. Artest was announced Tuesday as the 2010-11 winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, presented annually by the Pro Basketball Writers Association to one NBA player, coach or trainer for outstanding service away from the game. I will present the trophy to Artest on behalf of the PBWA just before tip-off of Game 5 of the Hornets-Lakers playoff series Tuesday night at Staples Center. Artest has generated tremendous exposure for mental-health counseling in schools with his speaking engagements, even appearing in front of members of"
Ron Artest attributed scaling back preparation to his playoff consistency
April 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Lakers' most consistent presence through two playoff games has come from an unlikely source, none other than Ron Artest. He's averaged 15.5 points on 45.5% shooting and 8.5 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per contest, a stark improvement from the numbers he posted in the regular season with a career-low 8.5 points on only 39.7% shooting in 29.4 minutes per game. Artest attributed the turnaround to decreasing his workload in off-court conditioning and shooting exercises since the All-Star break, though he didn't reveal specifics. "I used to be in the gym a lot," said Artest, who averaged 15.5 points on 45.5% shooting in 34.6 minutes per game following the All-Star break. "I can't do it now."
Ron Artest is rock-solid even as Lakers turn to dust in Game 1
April 18
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Lakers slipped and staggered, but their rock was there to keep the game close. Kobe Bryant wasn't bad, but Ron Artest was the steadying authority in the playoff opener against New Orleans. That's how strange Sunday was for the Lakers, who lost to the Hornets, 109-100. Artest had 16 points and 11 rebounds, made all six of his free-throw attempts (!) and seemed to guard everybody on the Hornets' roster at some point, even Chris Paul. It didn't help the Lakers win, but they lauded Artest, perhaps relieved more than anything by his minor breakthrough after a series of career lows in the regular season (8.5 points and 29.4 minutes a game, 34.1% shooting). "Ron was probably the best player"
Matt Barnes and Ron Artest have knee injuries, Steve Blake will miss Game 1 of Lakers-Hornet series
April 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"Any Lakers health update usually involves center Andrew Bynum. So here's the latest: Bynum participated in what he said was a full practice Friday, reported little pain from the bone bruise in his right knee and will suit up Sunday in Game 1 of the Lakers-Hornest first-round playoff series. "It felt fine," said Bynum, who has frequently iced his knee. "It was all right. I'll be all right. It's nothing that's not normal at this point." But not everything turned out according to plan. Bynum couldn't practice in five-on-five scrimmages like he had hoped because other teammates weren't available. Lakers guard Steve Blake won't play in Game 1 because of chicken pox, and Jackson hopes he can"
Mavs owner Cuban picks on Artest
April 1
L.A. Daily News
 
"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"