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Associated Press
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
David Bauman, Artest's agent, told The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out, but could be finished as early as Thursday night.
ESPN.com reported that Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. Bauman would not confirm those numbers.
He told CBSSports.com that he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss and coach Phil Jackson. In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: “I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A.”
Shaq introduced in Cleveland
Shaquille O'Neal and his oversized persona debuted in Cleveland on Thursday with a stated goal for next season. His friend LeBron James craves a championship, and O'Neal is here to serve.
“My motto is very simple,” O'Neal said. “‘Win a Ring for the King.'”
The 15-time All-Star center with four NBA titles was bedecked in a black suit, pink shirt and pink tie for an introductory news conference that might as well have been billed The Shaq Show.
Acquired last week in a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns, O'Neal was welcomed by a team that believes he can bring this title-thirsty region its first major pro sports crown in 45 years.
Around the league
CHICAGO: A day after jumping to Detroit, Ben Gordon says the Chicago Bulls never made a contract offer even though general manager Gar Forman said re-signing him was the No.1 priority.
Gordon agreed to a five-year deal worth at least $50 million with the Pistons after leading the Bulls in scoring the past four seasons.
Forman declined comment on Thursday.
HOUSTON: With question marks surrounding three of their top players, the Rockets met with Trevor Ariza on Thursday in hopes of bringing the Lakers forward to Houston, The Associated Press has learned.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey met with the free agent in Las Vegas. AP
