There weren't too many fireworks between Ron Artest and his former teammates during the Lakers' overtime victory in Houston on Wednesday, other than a double technical called on him and Trevor Ariza in the first quarter.But judging by what Artest had to say afterwards, there certainly could have been.
Artest claimed that the Rockets were being extra-physical with him in hopes of getting him ejected. And after taking a shot from Ariza early, Artest admitted that thoughts of getting violent out there definitely crossed his mind.
"I wanted to (choke Ariza) because he hit me with the elbow," Artest said. "But then I thought about David Stern, and I thought I wasn't going to do this. I got hit with three or four elbows. It's just not fair. I don't want to fight."
A kinder, gentler Ron Artest. Thank the heavens.
After picking up the first quarter technical foul, Kobe Bryant could be seen whispering something into Artest's ear, and Ron remained calm for the rest of the game. This was the concern of many heading into the season: would Bryant and Phil Jackson be able to contain the volatility of Ron Artest?
We're just four games into the season, but after Wednesday's potential meltdown in a hostile Houston environment was averted, the answer so far is a resounding "yes."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-05-2009 @ 2:47PM
mcjesus666 said...
tick, tick, tick......
Reply
11-05-2009 @ 5:08PM
bozallan said...
Hey, McCrowley666, you are a tick.
11-05-2009 @ 10:50PM
Sieben said...
To bad he is not a hockey player,where fighting is allowed , they are the REAL THUGS OF SPORTS
11-06-2009 @ 1:48AM
King Orgasmic said...
this from a big tick sucker...
11-06-2009 @ 8:48AM
sjmarkets said...
mcjesus666,,, you have a tick in your ass.
11-06-2009 @ 3:43PM
gohringl said...
I think that mcjesus666 is trying to say that artest is a time bomb about to explode right? you jack asses
11-05-2009 @ 6:54PM
jdt1 said...
Just like Jackson's Bulls with Dennis Rodman, Michael and Scotty were nursing Dennis along and keeping him out of trouble for the most part. Kobe will do the same for Artest.
Reply
11-05-2009 @ 10:07PM
Michael gifford said...
and the Lakers will have to do a better job protecting Artest from the bait...because he's volatile, he'll be a target for all sorts of cheap shots, especially in Houston from the likes of Scola and others...
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 1:03AM
donata713 said...
Everytime someone pulls a stunt yanking your chain RonRon, just remember the bigger picture, your out there trying to win a title. Just think about it, most of the other teams out there are not going to be playing late into June like you guys will be. Four C's baby. Calm, cool, collected, and champions AGAIN.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 1:43AM
bluerange308 said...
If he didn't hit or choke him then there is no story here. This article and it's title reminded me of a third grade tattle-tale. More Fanhouse b.s. I guess.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 9:27AM
bluznurse said...
Bingo! The media loves to incite because the attention will sell more of their stories. I was happy to see Kobe advise Artest, and subsequently watch Artest control his emotions, made me feel better about him being a Laker. We need him to step up, not out. Ron Ron can be the bigger man by directing that fierce energy into his play instead of into the negativity of a dirty foul. Dazzle 'em with brilliance Ron Ron, not stupidity. Not fully trusting Artest yet, he's got alot to prove.
11-06-2009 @ 7:15AM
richrokosz said...
Artest is nothing but a thug. The NBA should have a prison league...and he should bi in it.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 8:47AM
Larry said...
Overall, this article seems to just be filler for the author's paycheck.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 8:52AM
sjmarkets said...
but you dont know how to play basketball.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 10:10AM
hunkindoo1 said...
Ron sucks and that will be the Lakers down fall, Im glad they have him. I was very happy when the Pacers got rid of the punk.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 10:21AM
Brittney Jones said...
And your people were more than likely watching and waiting to exert CONTROL and DOMINANCE..be real.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 10:47AM
eugene nichols said...
I think Artest is just like anyone else, with the exception he,s on a world class team and works for a world class organization. Who are we to judge Artest, in this economic time we are all volatile, go figure. I am glad to Ron on our team, what a pick-up. To all you haters, get a Life.
Reply
11-11-2009 @ 8:04PM
klangier said...
The Laker girls will NOT win this year. The C's with a healthy KG & Rasheed & crew will be eating their lunch, again..
11-06-2009 @ 11:17AM
Mike the Ram fan said...
Big Lakers Fan for 30 years, Ron Artest is a ticking time bomb, sort of a Dennis Rodmen, They sould of kept Ariza, Artest will bring down the lakers with stupid decisions on the court and dumb remarks to the Media.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 12:32PM
ssublett7 said...
This is exactly the reason I'm glad the Pacers got rid of him after the brawl in Detroit. Looks as if he still hasn't learned from the past. Can we say anger management classes????
Reply