Ron-Ron lobbying for World Peace

Just when you thought Lakers forward Ron Artest had done it all, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year appears in the news once again to prove us wrong. Better known for his colorful post-game interviews and questionable antics both on and off the court which include applying for a job at Circuit City for an employee discount, a near-naked appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel and his unnecessary admittance to drinking during the halftime of games early on in his career just to name a few, you've gotta think the 12 year veteran has done just about everything possible to raise a few eyebrows. However, that couldn't be any further from the truth as his most recent endeavor might also be his most controversial.

In November of 2004, Artest took part in arguably the most heinous brawl in the history of sports when he entered the stands, triggering a fight between both players and fans. The incident which later became famously known as 'The Malice at the Palace' resulted in 9 suspensions and fines, but none were greater than those issued to Artest who was suspended for the remainder of the season including playoff games which caused him to lose nearly $7 Million in salary. Since the altercation, Artest has done nothing but good (with the exception of his clothesline on Mavs point-guard J.J. Barea) and has been involved in numerous charities among other life changing programs to better both others and himself. While contributing to the studies of mental health is one thing, Artest went out of the box to do something only a brave few would do and that's auction off his Championship ring.

Though it took Artest over 12 years to finally capture the highly coveted piece of hardware that every player hopes to one day accomplish, it only took him a few days to figure out what he'd do with it. And while most people are calling him crazy for giving up his bling, others are calling him a hero as all the proceeds went to charities nationwide. His positive actions continued throughout the community which garnered the attention of the NBA who recently named Artest as the most recent recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which is given to a player, coach or trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community. Artest has come a long way since his notorious antics and to prove just that, he's filed a petition through court to legally change his name to Metta World Peace.

The World Peace part is self explanatory and is guaranteed to sell a lot of jersey's assuming the Los Angeles County Superior Court approves of the name change, but Metta for those who didn't know (including myself), is defined as the Buddhist virtue of kindness. While appearing as a guest on PTI last week, Mr. Peace said he gained inspiration to change his name from Bengals wide-receiver Chad Ochocinco who went through the same legal process last year, changing his name from Chad Johnson. Though his stats indicate a rather poor year last season, averaging career-low numbers in almost every major offensive statistical category, Artest has easily become one of the most likable Lakers since his quirky post-game interview after Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals where he thanked his therapist. If a lockout threatens the NBA like one has threatened the NFL, there's no telling what tricks Artest will pull from his sleeve next.

The Zen Master x Charge!

The Ultimate Showdown - The table is set for another round of good 'ol Lakers-Celtics basketball as both teams look to once again renew their rivalry and add another chapter to the archive of never ending L.A.-Boston NBA Finals faceoffs. Something else both teams hope to add is another Championship to their trophy case. As the Celtics remain atop the list with 17-world tittles, the Lakers are in the rear-view mirror close behind with a total of 15-world tittles. But what's a good 'ol rivalry without adding a little spice to the mix? Adding fuel to the fire is something no man can do better than the Zen Master himself.

After commenting on the NBA officials and the superstar treatment they were giving Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Lakers head coach Phil Jackson was fined $35,000 by the angel of NBA commissioner David Stern as PTI's Tony Kornheiser likes to say. Next on the list was Phoenix Suns veteran point-guard Steve Nash who was accused by Jackson for carrying the ball. After completing a four-game sweep of the San Antonio Spurs, Nash fired back by saying, "The best coach in the league Gregg Popovich didn't seem to complain about it." And when Phil's Lakers punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year, it wasn't long before Jackson was back at his usual mind games. This time aiming at the Lakers archrival Boston Celtics and their star center Kevin Garnett, hoping to ploy the same problems that both Durant and Nash faced in rounds past.

After labeling the Celtics as a team with a smack down mentality, mainly referring to Garnett and his karate chopping of Dwight Howard's arm in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Jackson made some comments that could influence the refs. "That's not our team, we don't go out there and smack people around." But unlike Phil's past victims, Garnett didn't fall into the trap of the almighty Zen Master. Instead, he called Jackson's bluff and said it was all part of Jackson's little game. But whether or not Garnett and the rest of the Boston three-party alongside Rajon Rondo decide to fall for any of Jackson's tricks that may be up his sleeve, they're going to have to look out for one thing and one thing only -- Charges.

The Lakers plan to attack the big bodied Celtics by taking and committing charges. And for every successful charge, a Laker will earn an extra $50 to their pay check. All Laker players seemed to get the memo, except for the trouble Ron Artest of coarse. Artest, the hero in game 5 of the Western Conference Finals told ESPN, "If you take a charge on the playground [in New York] and call it, someones getting stabbed." I'm not sure if Artest was the one threatening to do the stabbing, but I wouldn't doubt it. After all, this is the same guy that ran into the stands in Detroit and caused what would go down as the biggest brawl in NBA history -- the Malice at the Palace...

Game 1 of the NBA Finals starts tomorrow at 6 pm on ABC, Go Lakers!

Blame it on the Ah-Ah-Alcohol!

Recently, the biggest headlines in sports have been rather ridiculous. From tennis great Andre Agassi coming out about his alleged meth addiction and match tanking, to the Tiger Woods scandal. All of which have either no place in the sporting world or shouldn't have been brought up or made as big as they were in the first place. & This story is no different. Earlier this week, Ron Artest came out and admitted he drank hennessy in the locker room at halftime back in his days with the Chicago Bulls. Artest claims that prior to games, he would walk from the arena to the liquor store across the street to buy himself a bottle of the good stuff.

What I want to know is what Artest was thinking when explaining his troubled years as a rookie. What good do these athletes get out of admitting to things they had no business in admitting to them to begin with. Noone knew about it, so why bring it up? If anything, it'll raise eyebrows and critics will begin to think what else goes on behind closed doors that they don't already know about? The smartest way of letting something out that you want the world to know, is writing or publishing an autobiography or tell-all book 10 or 15 years after your retirement to help make some extra money. Similar to the route Andre Agassi recently took.

So far since his signing with the Lakers, Artest's actions have cried out "Look at me!" as it seems he's hoping for attention. It was a no-brainer that with the signing of Artest would come controversy, but that's nothing new to Ron-Ron who's been through just about everything. From dress codes and on-court altercations to fights with players and fans. It's just the nature of Artest's game, and that may never change. But what the former 2004 Defensive Player of the Year did on late-night television just last week is beyond me. Artest was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live and showed up with nothing on but a pair of boxer briefs. The two joked about it, but it leaves many including me wondering, "What in the hell is wrong with this guy?" & "What's next?"

World Champions, Party of 5!

On a night of celebration and ceremony, the Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2009-2010 NBA season in quest of becoming back-to-back Champions and winning their 16th world tittle. Prior to the game, the players and coaching staff all received their Championship rings upon introduction as the 2008-2009 World Championship banner was revealed. All this happened while newest Laker --Ron Artest sat in the locker room preparing for the game. Artest, who was on opposite ends in the first round of last season's Western conference playoffs as a Houston Rocket, was the only Laker to not receive a ring. & Just as I suspected, Artest came out with a new haircut and the Laker emblem embroidered into his head.

The Lakers played game 1 without one of their biggest pieces to the puzzle in Pau Gasol. Gasol's currently sidelined with a knee injury and could be expected back as soon as next week. Without their leading big man, the Lakers took on their Los Angeles counterparts --The Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers went on to win the game by a score of 99-92. The Lakers seemed a bit sluggish to start off the season, but I believe all the pieces to the puzzle they had last season are still there. Trevor Ariza's departure hurt a bit, but Artest's addition should fill the void quite well. Don't expect to see Artest scoring the 20-some points he's used to averaging in years past, but don't be surprised if his numbers in the assists category begin to rise either.

With every start to the season comes expectations and predictions. As for mine, you already know I'm going with my defending world champion Lakers for the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference I like the Boston Celtics' chances of stirring up enough trouble for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. With Rasheed Wallace added to the team, I sense a rematch of the 2007-2008 NBA Finals, this time with L.A. coming out on top. With that being said, Cheers to a great start to the 2009-2010 NBA season & of coarse, Go Lakers!