Ron Artest for Hire

Los Angeles was once-again a-buzz in the sports world as attention shifted this week from the memorializing of Michael Jackson to the signing of Journeyman NBA star Ron Artest. Cut to the chase. Yes this is the Ron that scaled the stands in Detroit to make minced meat of a fan who he thought threw beer on him. This is the Ron who wanted time off during the season to promote his recording sensation. This is the Ron Artest that people hold in scrutiny but most people in L.A. want to know one thing. Will he fill the void left by Trevor Ariza, a key cog in this year’s reclaiming of the NBA championship?

Radio pundits have vacillated over Artest’s prospective contribution to the team saying everything from, “He’ll ruin the chemistry” to “At the end of the day he brings offense, rebounding and toughness to Los Angeles Cupcakers”. The truth is that whether fan or critic of the pick-up, here’s a young man who was rumored to have gotten a job at Best Buy his rookie year because…I don’t know why. He’s had some difficulties staying focused in the past like none of us I’m sure. He’s been frustrated by the inconsideration of hostile fans. In fact, on that note, I once heard a drunken fan ask players headed for the locker room at the half, “Which one of you guys hasn’t been to jail?” I’ve been waiting for a public opportunity to make that known to validate that many fans treat athletes like caged entertainment. Not Cool. But I digress.

Ron is here, other players are in transit to new locales where they hope to compete more readily for the ultimate prize. At minimum, they’ve calculated earning potential in the free-agent market and have sought to maximize their perceived worth. Is there an altruistic sense of loving the game in all the “Ron Artests” making moves? I think so. Even though it’s business, it’s still the dream. We can’t all say that we’ve had our dreams come true but if even one has, we know the feeling is never forgotten. Deep Down these guys have to remember draft day, the afternoon workouts, the 10-day contracts, the foreign food eaten as they paved their ways through overseas professional leagues en route to the NBA. It’s easy for me to stand outside and call these guys greedy and devoid of true passion but I’m still planning to watch what unfolds this season. Is there a shred of character left in professional basketball or are all the opportunists switching teams as a testimony to their addiction to filthy lucre? I’m not sure but if I lived in Cleveland, I wouldn’t mind catching a Cavs game with Shaq and the “King” in the lineup. And hey, Ron Artest almost choked my man Kobe last playoffs. At least we know that unless you’re Latrell Sprewell, teammates usually don’t choke their own comrades. Welcome to Hollywood Ron. May the Lord keep your feet from peril and your hands in the passing lanes.