RonRon with the BankBank

I love this guy. He's nuts in the head, but I love him. As Wes Mantooth said, today we spell redemption R-O-N.

Artest Formally Introduced as Laker

Last night at 9 o'clock, free-agents were allowed to officially sign with teams. The Lakers wasted no time, making deals with Ron Artest and Shannon Brown as the clock struck nine in Beverly Hills. Artest was introduced at a press conference earlier today, and fielded questions from the press. His jersey number was also revealed; Artest chose 37 after fans requested it via Facebook and Twitter to honor the late Michael Jackson, whose album "Thriller" was number one on the charts for 37 weeks.

Editor's Note: Artest for Ariza?

Trevor Ariza took a gamble, one that ultimately did not work out the way he thought it would. He thought that he could get the Lakers to up their offer, to put more cash on the table. Unfortunately for him, the Lakers found a more cost-effective substitute with Ron Artest. And now it looks like an old-fashioned swap, with LA taking Artest while Houston signs Ariza. In the long run, the Rockets have a better investment. Trevor is young and athletic, and can help a team that struggled to defend at times last season. Artest gives the Lakers a helping hand, a trustworthy defender who can take pressure off Kobe Bryant. He's a tenacious player who will leave it all out on the court. Both teams have much to gain from their respective transactions. How much though will be seen during the season.

If Ariza does leave for the Lone Star State, the Lakers are now in a prime position to resign Lamar Odom. One of the most versatile players the league has ever seen, Odom grew up playing basketball on the streets of Queens with Ron Artest. Artest's arrival, coupled with Ariza's departure, makes Odom's return almost inevitable.

Ron Artest to Sign with Lakers and Fill Ariza's Void

Ron Artest is close to finalizing a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to CBS Sports. The controversial player was previously seen as a trade-target for the Lakers during the off-season last year. The news of Artest's impending arrival came just hours after word broke that Trevor Ariza was dissatisfied with the Lakers' offer, and would look to other clubs even if their proposal's equaled LA's. Ariza also reportedly met with Houston Rockets officials in Las Vegas. The deal could also help the Purple-and-Gold bring Lamar Odom back, as Artest and Odom know each other from their days growing up in New York. ESPN reports the deal is worth $18 million over three years.

Trevor Ariza has reportedly agreed in principle to a deal with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN.

Down and Yao-t: Ming Leaves Playoffs

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will be out for the rest of the playoffs with a broken left foot. Yao left Friday night's game against the Lakers limping after posting a double-double. Exams revealed a hairline-fracture in the foot which will require 8-12 weeks of recovery. Yao has been the focal point of the Rockets' offense after Tracy McGrady went down with an injury. Ron Artest's flagrant-2 foul from Friday was downgraded to a flagrant-1 by the NBA. If any player collects four flagrant-foul points during the playoffs, they are automatically suspended for one game. Both Artest and Kobe Bryant have one point, and Derek Fisher has two.

Game 3: Five's For Fighting

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 108-94, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Lakers were without the services of Derek Fisher after his suspension, but made the most of his absence as all starting five Lakers scored in double-figures. LA held Houston to just .417 shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers, compared to the Purple and Golds' six. The Rockets had 19 offensive rebounds, but could not outscore the Lakers in all four quarters. Kobe Bryant finished the game with 33 points, and Jordan Farmar had an impact in his first career start, getting 12 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and two steals. Lamar Odom added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Trevor Ariza scored 13 points and grabbed 4 steals. Ron Artest led the Rockets with 25 points before leaving the game with a flagrant-2 foul in the final seconds of the fourth quarter after hitting Pau Gasol hard. Yao Ming added 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Game 2: Lakers Even Series

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets , evening the series at one game apiece. The game became very physical very fast, with five players collecting technical fouls and Derek Fisher was ejected with a flagrant-foul 2. The Lakers opened up the gate early with a 41-point first quarter, but the Rockets quickly turned the tide by tying the score at halftime. However, LA out-scored Houston by 13 in the second-half and held on to win the game. Kobe Bryant put up 40 points to lead all scorers, and Pau Gasol added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Fisher had 12 points as the Lakers were a perfect .500 from the field. Ron Artest led the Rockets with 25 points, and Carl Landry added 21 points off the bench. Artest was also ejected after engaging in an argument with Bryant.

Game 1: Rockets Stun Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets 100-92, dropping the first game of the Western Conference semi-finals. The Lakers managed to shoot just .448 from the field, including a meager 2-for-18 from behind the arc. LA committed 26 fouls, and sent Houston to the line 29 times. The Purple and Gold only had 19 free-throw opportunities, and hit just 12 of them. Kobe Bryant scored 32 points and collected 8 rebounds, and Pau Gasol added 14 points and 13 rebounds. Yao Ming dominated with 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Ron Artest scored 21 points and threw in 7 assists. Aaron Brooks easily overcame his matchup with Derek Fisher to get 19 points. The Lakers lose their home-court advantage with the defeat.

Lakers Hit Sweet 60, Look for More

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 93-81, their 60th win of the season. It was the first time the Lakers hit the 60 win mark since the '99-'00 season. The win also came after Cleveland fell to Orlando, putting LA just one win back of the Cavs in the race for the best record in the NBA. Houston made 18 turnovers, and the Lakers held the Rockets to just 37 points in the second half. LA won despite shooting .395 from the field. Kobe Bryant had 20 points and 7 assists, and Pau Gasol led with 23 points in addition to 10 rebounds. Derek Fisher scored 15 points and grabbed 5 steals. DJ Mbenga led the bench with 8 points and 2 blocked shots. Yao Ming had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Ron Artest led Houston with 21 points. Luis Scola had 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Lakers Push Past Problems Against Houston

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 105-100, improving to 31-6. The Lakers had a rough time containing the Rockets in the first half, surrendering a shooting percentage above 60%. Houston finished shooting 53%, while LA shot 50.6%. The Lakers committed only 7 turnovers, and outscored Houston 27-18 in the fourth quarter. Houston was without Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady, but other players picked up the slack. Yao Ming had 19 points with 17 rebounds, and Von Wafer scored 23 points, shooting 13-for-18, including 3-pointers. Carl Landry came off the bench and scored 21 points for the Rockets, a season-high. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, despite shooting 13-for-32 with 1 3-pointer. Lamar Odom returned, replacing Sasha Vujacic who did not travel to Texas due to back spasms. Odom had 10 points and 1 blocked shot off the bench. Vladimir Radmanovic scored 12 points and snagged 6 rebounds, and hit both of his 3-point attempts. Trevor Ariza came off the bench to score 14 points.

Clippers Have Problem Vs. Houston

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered their seventh straight loss, this time to the Houston Rockets 103-96. LA made just 5 three-pointers, and had 11 turnovers that resulted in 12 points for Houston. Al Thornton led the Clips with 24 points, and Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby both had double-doubles, Randolph with 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Camby with 11 points and 11 boards. Yao Ming gave the Rockets 24 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 12-for-13, and Ron Artest had 19 points.

Clips go 0 and 6

The Los Angeles Clippers lost to the Houston Rockets on Friday 92-83. Ron Artest led the Rockets with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Chris Kaman led the Clips with his best game of the season, with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks. LA is still trying to achieve their first win, a direct contrast with the Lakers who still have not suffered a loss.