In the News

Ron Artest's wild press conference
Ron Artest didn't disappoint on the court or with the media. See his wild press conference.

Artest plays Hollywood role in Game 7
No one's blaming Ron Artest this time. The new guy who said it would be his fault if the Los Angeles Lakers didn't repeat as NBA champions is off the hook.

2010 NBA Finals: Rajon Rondo takes 17 stitches for gash from Ron Artest
Rajon Rondo needed 17 stitches for a gash on his chin from a blow from Ron Artest.

Los Angeles Lakers Ron Artest gives $18,000 in tickets to lucky fan
On Thursday, Artest opened up his wallet and plopped down $18,000 on two courtside seats for Game 1 of the NBA Finals and gave the tickets away to a fan that tweeted him.

Physical Lakers beat Celtics in Game 1 (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers got tough in a 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals opener Thursday night. Ron Artest scored 15 points after tumbling to the ground in a tangle with Paul Pierce in the opening minute of the 12th finals meeting in the NBA's most scintillating rivalry.

Lakers hope for boost from Artest, Bynum (AP)
Although the Lakers' roster is remarkably similar to the group that lost the NBA finals to the Boston Celtics two years ago, Kobe Bryant sees two big reasons Los Angeles might have a better shot this time. Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum said Monday they hope to play major defensive roles in the rematch with the Celtics.

Pierce excited to return to finals, LA (AP)
Paul Pierce is excited to return to the NBA finals and his hometown for the next round in the league's greatest rivalry. Boston's best player isn't exactly thrilled that Los Angeles' welcoming committee includes Ron Artest, a physical, tenacious defender. "He likes to bang you," Pierce said Monday, "grab you, hold you, pull your shorts down.

Bryant, Lakers send off Suns to set up rematch
Kobe Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals 4-2.

Lakers oust Suns, get rematch with Celts (AP)
Get ready, Boston, for a rematch with Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant wrapped up a magnificent series with 37 points, Ron Artest added 25 and the Lakers held off the Phoenix Suns 111-103 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals. The Lakers and Celtics, the NBA's premier teams for much of the league's history, will meet in the finals for the 12th time with Game 1...

Game 5 star Ron Artest fined for practice tardiness
Lakers forward Ron Artest was fined for being late to practice on Friday.

Artest late to practice after big shot
Ron Artest had perfect timing in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals - and not so much the next day. Artest was fined by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday for showing up late to practice, several hours after his buzzer-beating layup clinched their 103-101 victory. Lakers coach Phil Jackson says it was an innocent mixup by the forward, who showed up 30 minutes late after misreading the practice starting time on the locker room board following Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns. Artest scored just four points in Game 5, but won it for the Lakers on his rebound of Kobe Bryant's missed 3-point attempt. Los Angeles has a 3-2 lead in the series. Game 6 is Saturday night in Phoenix.

Lakers fine Artest for showing up late (AP)
Ron Artest had perfect timing in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals -- and not so much the next day. Artest was fined by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday for showing up late to practice, several hours after his buzzer-beating layup clinched their 103-101 victory. Lakers coach Phil Jackson says it was an innocent mixup by the forward, who showed up 30 minutes late after misreading the practice...

Artest's buzzer-beater gives Lakers win (AP)
Ron Artest became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff lore with a bank shot to beat the Phoenix Suns. Artest rambled into the lane and beat the buzzer with a wild shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Lakers edged the Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Suns rally but lose by not boxing out (AP)
Steve Nash kept Phoenix hanging around in the fourth quarter until Jason Richardson tied it up in the waning seconds only to see the Suns get eclipsed by a buzzer-beating offensive rebound. Phoenix tangled up Kobe Bryant on a last-ditch 3-point attempt, but Ron Artest sneaked in, grabbed the rebound and scored to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 103-101 victory Thursday night.

Artest's buzzer-beater gives Lakers 3-2 lead
Ron Artest beat the buzzer with a wild bank shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson, Ron Artest make nice following Twitter flap
Player and coach have made nice, Ron Artest for his late-night Twittering and Phil Jackson for his misunderstood "witticism."



Artest mum on tweets criticizing Jackson (AP)
If Ron Artest criticized Lakers coach Phil Jackson on Twitter, he isn't exactly owning up to his tweets. Five disjointed, grammatically challenged messages appeared on Artest's latest Twitter page late Thursday night, expressing frustration that Jackson had spoken to the media about Artest's play before talking to the veteran forward personally.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Los Angeles Lakers surprised at Ron Artest's exclsion on All-Defensive team
The Lakers were surprised when Ron Artest was left off the NBA All-Defensive team.

Lakers win seventh straight, beat Spurs (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 92-83 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Lamar Odom added 19 points and Ron Artest had 16, but it was Bryant who put the Spurs away for good. He scored 10 in the fourth quarter, including two backbreaking 3-pointers that San Antonio couldn't shake off.

Ron Artest becomes latest Laker with hand injury
Artest becomes latest Laker with hand injury

Injured Kobe watches Lakers top Blazers (AP)

Lamar Odom thinks the reason the Los Angeles Lakers finally snapped a nine-game losing streak in Portland was because they didn't have Kobe Bryant. But he meant no disrespect. "I think it made us a little more focused as a group, to come in here and do whatever we had to do to stay in the game," said Odom, who matched his career high with 22 rebounds to go with 10 points in the...

Jackson becomes Lakers' winningest coach (AP)

Andrew Bynum had 17 points and 14 rebounds, Lamar Odom scored 19 points and Phil Jackson became the winningest coach in Lakers history in Los Angeles' 99-97 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night. Pau Gasol and Ron Artest scored 14 points apiece for the Lakers, who returned from an eight-game trip to improve the NBA's best home record to 24-3 with their eighth consecutive...

Los Angeles Lakers Ron Artest will play against Washington Wizards
Lakers starting forward Ron Artest took part in a shootaround Tuesday and will play against the Washington Wizards after being listed as questionable.

Report: Ron Artest playing through plantar fasciitis
Ron Artest is reportedly playing with foot injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers battered, but Ron Artest practices
The Lakers have been beset by injuries but get good news about Ron Artest.

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson: Banged-up Ron Artest asked out of game
Coach Phil Jackson said a banged-up Ron Artest asked out of the Lakers game against the Bucks twice.

Ron Artest returns to the Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup
Ron Artest returned to the Lakers starting lineup on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Lakers' Ron Artest practices
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest was a full-practice participant Monday, but it hasn't been determined if he will return to the court Tuesday night.

Ron Artest to practice, could return to Los Angeles Lakers soon
Ron Artest could return to the Lakers this week after suffering a concussion.

Week 11 Fantasy Basketball Planner
When will owners see Chauncey Billups and Ron Artest? How will the Gilbert Arenas situation impact Fantasy in Week 11 and beyond? Sergio Gonzalez breaks down the latest news from around the league in his Fantasy Planner.




Artest: Memory was a little fuzzy after concussion
Lakers forward Ron Artest still can't remember exactly how he fell at his home on Christmas night. He's just thankful his tumble only left him with a concussion, a deep cut on his left elbow and a little memory loss.

Ron Artest still out, talks about getting concussion
Ron Artest missed his third straight game and talked about the fall that gave him a concussion.

Ron Artest to miss third game due to concussion
Ron Artest will miss his third straight game tonight as a result of a concussion sustained on Christmas night.

Los Angeles Lakers' Ron Artest improving, remains day to day
Lakers forward Ron Artest remains day to day as his condition improves following a Christmas night fall at his home, a team spokesman said Monday.

Los Angeles Lakers: Ron Artest hurt in fall at home, won't play
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest will likely miss Saturday's game against the Sacramento Kings after suffering injuries to his head and left elbow.

Lakers' Artest hurt in fall down stairs (AP)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has injuries to his head and left elbow after falling at his home. Artest didn't travel with the Lakers to Saturday's game at Sacramento after tripping over a box and falling down a flight of stairs at his home on Christmas night, the team said in a news release.

Lakers: Artest injured in fall at home
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has injuries to his head and left elbow after falling at his home.

Los Angeles Lakers' Ron Artest says media unfair to Tiger Woods
Lakers forward Ron Artest says an open letter to Tiger Woods that was posted on his Web site was meant to encourage the golf superstar because Artest believes media coverage of Woods' mistakes has been unfair.

Bryant breaks finger, Lakers' run now 11 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points while playing with a small break in his finger, and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up the generous portion of their schedule with their 11th straight victory, 104-92 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Pau Gasol had 17 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the defending champions, who improved the NBA's best record to 18-3 while finishing a...

Lakers use big 4th to win 10th straight (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled off 19 consecutive points in the fourth quarter of their 10th straight victory, 101-77 over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Ron Artest scored 17 points for the Lakers, who improved to an NBA-best 17-3 by holding the Jazz to six points and two field goals in a comically one-sided fourth...

Lakers race away from Suns for 9th straight win
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night.

Lakers beat Suns for ninth straight win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night. Pau Gasol scored 14 points for the well-rested Lakers, who improved to an NBA-best 16-3 with their second home win in 24 days over road-weary Phoenix.

Lakers' Artest spoke about drinking to help others
Although Ron Artest's streetball games in New York usually included breaks for water or Gatorade, the Queens teenager knew other players who would recharge with Olde English malt liquor. Those bad examples stayed in his mind while he went through college at St. John's and into the NBA, where Artest says he sometimes drank cognac during halftimes early in his career with the Chicago Bulls.

Artest: I spoke of drinking to help kids (AP)
Ron Artest says he spoke out about drinking during games with the Chicago Bulls because he hopes to help youths with similar problems. After practice Thursday at the Lakers' training complex, Artest discussed the provocative admissions he made to the Sporting News. Artest acknowledged drinking cognac during halftimes in Chicago, where he spent his first 2 1/2 NBA seasons.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest clarifies comments he made regarding drinking before and during games with the Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest clarifies comments he made regarding drinking before and during games with the Chicago Bulls.

Ron Artest of Los Angeles Lakers says he drank booze at halftime of NBA games
Ron Artest, the often-controversial Los Angeles Lakers' forward, says he used to drink alcohol at halftime of NBA games.

Artest: I drank alcohol during games (AP)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has said that he drank alcohol during games when he was a member of the Chicago Bulls. "I used to drink Hennessy at halftime," Artest said in an interview with Sporting News. "I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it." Artest also said that he was a "head case" when he broke into...

Artest: 'I used to drink Hennessy at halftime'
Some athletes drink Gatorade, others prefer water. Ron Artest once had his own unique halftime beverage of choice.

Artest cops to drinking alcohol at halftime with Bulls
Those wondering if the Los Angeles Lakers' quest for a repeat championship could withstand Ron Artest's penchant for controversy are about to witness the first test in the new partnership.

Bynum helps Lakers win seventh straight (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 21 points, Kobe Bryant added 18 on a light night of work and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Hornets 110-99 Tuesday for their seventh straight victory. Ron Artest scored 16 points as the Lakers remained undefeated in six games since the return of Pau Gasol, who had 14 points in Los Angeles' balanced offense.

Bryant's 34 power Lakers past Knicks (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 34 points, Pau Gasol added 11 points and 16 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers exploited a major size advantage in their fourth straight victory, 100-90 over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. Ron Artest scored 17 points for the Lakers, who took control of their eighth win in 10 meetings with New York by scoring 17 consecutive points in the third while holding the Knicks...

Gasol returns, leads Lakers past Bulls (AP)

Pau Gasol had 24 points and 13 rebounds in his season debut, and Kobe Bryant scored 21 points while passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Lakers' career scoring chart in Los Angeles' 108-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Ron Artest added 15 points for the Lakers, who finally had their full starting lineup intact for their ninth victory in 12 games to start the season.

Ron Artest apologizes to fan
John Green, the fan who sparked the infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl, said Thursday he has spoken to Ron Artest and the two hope to partner together for some type of community-service endeavor, possibly in Detroit.

Anthony shines as Nuggets snap Lakers' streak
Carmelo Anthony got the better of Ron Artest, scoring 25 points in 29 minutes and leading the Denver Nuggets past the Los Angeles Lakers 105-79 Friday night.

Nuggets pull away in 3rd, rout Lakers (AP)

Carmelo Anthony got the better of Ron Artest, scoring 25 points in 29 minutes and leading the Denver Nuggets past the Los Angeles Lakers 105-79 Friday night. The Lakers' six-game winning streak was snapped. They scored just eight points in the third quarter as the Nuggets turned a two-point halftime lead into an 87-64 cushion that had ecstatic fans chanting "Beat L.A.!" something...

Kobe scores 41, reaches milestone in win (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 41 points while becoming the youngest player to reach 24,000, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Ron Artest had 19 points and seven assists in the fourth straight win for the defending NBA champions, who played without injured big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Bryant scores 41, leads Lakers by Hawks (AP)

Kobe Bryant is quite familiar with the exquisite pain of playing against Ron Artest's defense. He's grateful that frustration now belongs to his opponents -- including Joe Johnson, the first top scorer to get locked down by the Lakers' new defensive stopper. Bryant had 41 points and eight rebounds, Andrew Bynum added 21 points and Artest extinguished Johnson's outstanding start in...

Nowitzki, Mavs rout Lakers for first win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points and the Dallas Mavericks were 25 of 32 from the free throw line in routing the Los Angeles Lakers 94-80 Friday night for their first win of the season. Nowitzki made 10 of 11 from the line and grabbed 10 rebounds, Shawn Marion added 18 points and Jason Terry 16 to end the Mavs' six-game losing streak against the defending NBA champions.

Bynum, Bryant lead Lakers over Kings (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 98-92 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Kobe Bryant had 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Lakers (2-1). Bryant was 6 of 16 from the field for Los Angeles, which led 85-63 in the third quarter only to see the Kings close within 95-92 with 1:48 left...

VIDEO: NBA Tipoff: Lakers
Now with his fifth NBA team, Ron Artest is finally where he wants to be. So don't expect trouble for the Lakers, our NBA Tipoff says.

Artest solid in LA debut, Bynum has 24 (AP)

Andrew Bynum scored 24 points, Kobe Bryant added 22, and the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers opened the preseason with a 118-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Playing 26 minutes, Bryant grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. He was also hit with a technical foul for arguing a call with the replacement referees.

Kobe big, Artest solid as champ Lakers open
Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum shined and Ron Artest was solid as the champion Lakers opened the preseason with a win.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on Ron Artest playing with the Los Angeles Lakers
Mark Cuban thinks Ron Artest is a bad fit for the Lakers, which is good for others in the Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers: John Hollinger's 2009-10 NBA forecast
As the Lakers go for another ring, will Ron Artest seal the deal or seal their fate?

Artest: Point at me if Lakers don't repeat
Pardon Ron Artest if he's a bit geographically challenged and had no idea that San Diego has a big league baseball team, even though he was wearing a Padres cap. This much he's sure of - If his Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him. "They should. That's exactly what should happen if we don't repeat," the star forward said during a visit to promote the Lakers' exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

Artest: Point at me if Lakers don't repeat
Pardon Ron Artest if he's a bit geographically challenged and had no idea that San Diego has a big league baseball team, even though he was wearing a Padres cap. This much he's sure of - If his Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him. "They should. That's exactly what should happen if we don't repeat," the star forward said during a visit to promote the Lakers' exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

Ron Artests says he's to blame if Los Angeles Lakers
Ron Artest says that if the Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him.

Warriors' Jackson fined for trade request
Golden State's Stephen Jackson was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for saying he wanted to be traded. Jackson, who averaged a team-best 20.7 points per game last season, told Dime Magazine last month that he wanted out and had told the Warriors front office as much. Players are not permitted to make trade requests publicly. Ron Artest, then of the Indiana Pacers, was fined during the 2005-06 season for requesting a trade through the media.

Lakers make $18M Artest deal official
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ron Artest, making official a deal agreed to last week. The team announced the signing early Wednesday but did not release the terms. ESPN.com and the Los Angeles Times have reported that Artest, who was an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million when he decided to join the team on Thursday. The 6-foot-7 forward earned $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Lakers make Artest deal official
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ron Artest, making official a deal agreed to last week. The team announced the signing early Wednesday but did not release the terms. ESPN.com and the Los Angeles Times have reported that Artest, who was an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million when he decided to join the team on Thursday. The 6-foot-7 forward earned $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

NBA free agents: Ron Artest gets his wish, finally becomes a Los Angeles Laker
Ron Artest has signed with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team he says he wanted to join for years.

Los Angeles Lakers make it official, sign Ron Artest and Shannon Brown
The Lakers officially signed Ron Artest and Shannon Brown on Monday.

Lakers ink Ron Artest to three-year deal


VIDEO: Hill on Artest reportedly joining Lakers
Lakers fans, don't worry even though the unpredictable Ron Artest is set to join L.A. Kobe and Co. will keep him in line, Randy Hill says.

Artest, Lakers reach verbal agreement
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Agent: Artest to join Kobe, Lakers
Ron Artest will be joining forces with Kobe Bryant. The free agent forward plans to sign with the Lakers, his agent says.

Reports: Artest says he's joining Lakers
Ron Artest says he'll be joining forces with Kobe Bryant and plans to sign with the Lakers next week, according to multiple reports.

Artest agrees to deal with Lakers (AP)
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.

NBA free agency: Ron Artest says he's leaving Houston Rockets for Los Angeles Lakers
Free-agent forward Ron Artest says he's leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers. In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."

LeBron meets with free agent Ron Artest


Houston Rockets face questions on Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest
The Rockets are still planning on building around Yao Ming, but many questions remain.

Free agent Ron Artest to weigh teams' title chances
Free agent Ron Artest will consider a team's chance of winning the title before signing.

Agent: Artest to weigh title shot in choosing team
If LeBron James or Kobe Bryant are looking for a little help, Ron Artest is talking calls. The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says.

Yao's 31 lift Rockets by Nuggets 115-113 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 31 points, Rafer Alston added 18 points and 11 assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 115-113 on Monday afternoon. Denver's Kenyon Martin missed two foul shots with 2.6 seconds left, and Yao rebounded to clinch the win. Von Wafer had 18 and Luis Scola 16 for the Rockets, who have won five of their last six games and four of five since Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady...

Yao goes 12-for-12 as Rockets down Heat (AP)

Yao Ming set a Houston record by going 12-for-12 from the field, and finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the Rockets' 93-86 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Rafer Alston added a season-high 22 points to help the Rockets improve to 2-1 since Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest were shelved to recover from injuries.

Report: Rockets without Artest 7-10 days more
The Rockets will reportedly be without Ron Artest for another 7-10 days.

Rockets top Knicks without T-Mac, Artest (AP)

Luis Scola had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Rafer Alston added 17 points and six assists and the undermanned Houston Rockets took advantage of New York's poor shooting to beat the Knicks 96-76 on Saturday night. Aaron Brooks scored 16 points, Von Wafer had 15 and Yao Ming 14 for the Rockets, who played without Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.

McGrady, Artest out of lineup against Knicks
Houston guard Tracy McGrady and forward Ron Artest missed the Rockets' game Saturday night against New York because of injuries.

Rockets' Artest sidelined again by sore ankle
Rockets forward Ron Artest missed his second straight game with a sore right ankle, sitting out Tuesday night against the 76ers.

Yao, Scola lead Rockets over Bucks 85-81 (AP)

Yao Ming had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Luis Scola added 11 points and 10 boards, and the Houston Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 85-81 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest had 15 points and reserve Carl Landry added 14 as the Rockets beat the Bucks for the eighth straight time, bouncing back from an embarrassing loss to Washington on Monday.

Rockets outlast Jazz 120-115 in 2OT (AP)

The Houston Rockets acquired Ron Artest to win games like this. Artest scored 10 of his 28 points in the second overtime and the Rockets recovered from blowing a 16-point lead in the second half to beat the Utah Jazz 120-115 on Saturday night. Yao Ming had 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who led 59-43 early in the third quarter, then went 3-for-18 from the field in the fourth to...

Artest out for Rockets vs. Hornets (AP)
Ron Artest missed the Houston Rockets' road game Friday night against the Hornets, who were also short-handed. Artest had a sprained right ankle, Rockets officials said. New Orleans was without swingman Peja Stojakovic and reserve center Hilton Armstrong. Stojakovic remained sideline by back soreness for a fifth-straight game.

Yao scores 30 to lead Rockets past Kings (AP)

Yao Ming scored 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, Luis Scola earned his seventh double-double of the season and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 107-96 on Friday night. Scola matched a season high with 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Tracy McGrady scored 18 and Carl Landry added 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who've won six straight at home.

Sprained ankle to sideline Artest two games
Ron Artest will sit out the next two games with a sprained right ankle.

Yao has 24 and 19 as Rockets beat Hawks (AP)

Yao Ming scored 24 points and grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Atlanta Hawks 92-84 on Tuesday night. Luis Scola added 12 points and 10 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 19 and the Rockets outrebounded Atlanta 57-40 to hand the Hawks their 10th consecutive loss in Houston.

Artest becomes latest Rocket sidelined by injury
Houston forward Ron Artest was held out of Monday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a sore right ankle, the latest Rockets player to be sidelined with an injury.

Rockets F Artest out due to sore ankle (AP)
Houston forward Ron Artest was held out of Monday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a sore right ankle, the latest Rockets player to be sidelined with an injury. Artest, in his 10th year out of St. John's, is the Rockets' second-leading scorer at 15.7 points a game. He scored 28 points in 35-plus minutes against Golden State on Friday night.

Yao scores 33 as Rockets beat Warriors (AP)

Yao Ming scored 19 of his season-high 33 points in the fourth quarter, and Ron Artest added 28 points to help the Houston Rockets beat Golden State 131-112 on Friday night. Yao also had 14 rebounds and five assists. Rafer Alston and Von Wafer scored 18 points apiece and the Rockets went 13-of-21 from 3-point range to hand the Warriors their eighth straight loss.

Offseason acquisitions aren't paying dividends
Elton Brand, Ron Artest and Baron Davis were supposed to lift their new teams to greater heights. Ain't happening yet, Randy Hill says.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/473781563" height="1" width="1"/

Yao, Alston lead Rockets past Clippers (AP)
Yao Ming had 24 points, Rafer Alston sank five 3-pointers and added 21, and the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-96 on Wednesday night. Ron Artest scored 19 points and Yao grabbed 10 rebounds and went 12-for-13 from the free throw line for the Rockets, who played their fourth straight game without Tracy McGrady.

McGrady-less Rockets beat Spurs 103-84 (AP)

Luther Head scored 21 points in place of the injured Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets used balanced scoring to beat the San Antonio Spurs 103-84 on Saturday night. Ron Artest added 16 points and eight rebounds, Yao Ming and Rafer Alston scored 12 points apiece and Luis Scola added 11 for Houston, which had all five starters in double-figures for just the second time this season.

Rockets complete 3-0 trip, beat Heat (AP)

Yao Ming scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Ron Artest scored 20 and the Houston Rockets finished off a perfect three-game road trip against the Eastern Conference with an 107-98 win over the Miami Heat on Monday night. Rafer Alston added 14 points for Houston, which finished with six players in double figures and outrebounded Miami 51-35.

Rockets snap Magic's 5-game win streak (AP)

Dwight Howard might be regarded as the best center in the NBA by the end of this season, but Yao Ming let him know that debate still has a ways to go before it's settled. Yao, Houston's 7-foot-6 All-Star, outplayed Howard in nearly every phase Saturday night, scoring 22 points and taking down 13 rebounds while carrying a tired Houston Rocket team to a 100-95 victory over Howard and the Orlando...

T-Mac practices day after re-injuring knee
Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier practiced with the team for the first time on Tuesday, but Ron Artest and Yao Ming skipped the workout after leaving Monday's win over Oklahoma City with sprained ankles. Tracy McGrady also practiced Tuesday after re-aggravating his sore left knee in Monday's game. McGrady was going to have an MRI on the knee, but decided with team officials that the test was unnecessary and practiced instead.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/457757518" height="1" width="1"/

Rockets stifle Paul to top Hornets 91-82 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady added 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Houston Rockets bottled up Chris Paul in a 91-82 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night. Paul, who came in averaging 22 points, went 2-for-10 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free throw line to score 12.

Allen's 29 help Celts hold off Rockets (AP)
Boston's Big 3 outplayed Houston's trio of stars Tuesday night. Ray Allen scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Celtics shut down Ron Artest and Yao Ming in a 103-99 victory over the Rockets. Tracy McGrady scored 26 points for Houston and tried to rally the Rockets (3-1) down the stretch against the defending NBA champions.

Kahn: Best early storylines
The Celtics try to repeat. The Lakers try to get back. Ron Artest and Elton Brand try to fit in. Mike Kahn runs down the early storylines.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/441214624" height="1" width="1"/

McGrady, Yao help Rockets move to 3-0 (AP)
Tracy McGrady had 22 points, Yao Ming added 16 and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 89-77 on Saturday night for their third straight win. Carl Landry had 14 points and a career-high tying 11 rebounds for Houston. Ron Artest, Luis Scola and Rafer Alston added 10 points apiece. Houston wasn't sharp offensively, shooting just 36 percent, but led almost the entire way with excellent...

Should Artest be Rockets' main man?
Even with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, the Rockets might be better off with Ron Artest as their main man, Charley Rosen says.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/437829035" height="1" width="1"/

Carlisle loses Mavs debut as Rockets win (AP)
Yao Ming and Ron Artest powered a 16-2 run late in the fourth quarter, carrying the Houston Rockets to a 112-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night in the debut of new Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. Yao finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Artest scored 29 points. He had seven points in the decisive run, which began with the game tied at 92.

Yao scores 21, Artest 16 as Rockets win (AP)
Since acquiring Ron Artest in the offseason, the Houston Rockets have talked boldly about contending for the NBA championship. They have plenty of improvements to make before that happens. Yao Ming had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Artest added 16 in his Houston debut, and the Rockets overcame poor shooting to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-71 on Wednesday night.

Rockets prepare for a title run (AP)
The Houston Rockets want to be this season's Boston Celtics. Like Boston last season, the Rockets assembled a "Big Three" of their own by acquiring Ron Artest to join Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Artest, who averaged 20.5 points with Sacramento last season, adds toughness, versatility and a third scoring option the Rockets have lacked since McGrady arrived in 2004.

NBA Preview: Disasters waiting to happen
With Ron Artest on board, the Rockets have high hopes. They also land squarely on Randy Hill's list of teams ready to implode.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/430911393" height="1" width="1"/

Artest helps Rockets beat Kings 95-90 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 15 points, Ron Artest added 13 in his first game against his former team and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 95-90 in a preseason game on Friday night. Yao played 27 minutes before twisting his right ankle and leaving for good with 3:07 left in the third quarter. The Rockets said the injury was minor, but coach Rick Adelman didn't take any chances with the All-Star...

Mavs coach Carlisle returns to Indiana (AP)
Rick Carlisle sounds much more relaxed these days. The former Pacers coach spent much of his time in Indiana answering questions about Ron Artest and the team's chronic off-the-court problems and injuries. He went from leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004 to getting fired following the 2006-07 season after the Pacers missed the playoffs.

Stein: Artest is worth the risk
Ron Artest doesn't want to be the No. 1 guy in Houston, and if he has to, he would be the sixth man if it means a title run, writes Marc Stein.

Rockets beat short-handed Spurs (AP)

Ron Artest had 18 points and five rebounds and Luis Scola added 13 points as the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed San Antonio Spurs 85-78 on Thursday night. Yao Ming scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds in two quarters for the Rockets, while Tracy McGrady was in uniform, but did not play because of a sore left knee.

Artest scores 15 in Rockets' debut (AP)

Ron Artest scored 12 of his 15 points in the first quarter of his Houston debut and the Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-93 in the preseason opener on Tuesday night. Tracy McGrady sat out to rest his sore left knee. The Rockets star had offseason surgery to remove loose tissue in the knee and said last week that it was healing slower than expected.

McGrady says shoulder arthritic, knee slow to heal
The Houston Rockets, buzzing about the arrival of Ron Artest, already have injury concerns with Tracy McGrady. Houston's leading scorer said Monday that his left shoulder is arthritic and will require surgery after this season. He also said his left knee is healing slower than expected from surgery in the spring. McGrady sprained his shoulder against Sacramento on March 24, and wore padding to protect it for the rest of the season.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/406724992" height="1" width="1"/

Oden's no crossover artist, and knows it (AP)
Greg Oden can dunk, but he can't carry a tune. The 7-foot Trail Blazer has gotten a lot of attention for his rendition of N'Sync's "It's Gonna Be Me." A video of the performance has made the rounds on the Internet. This much is clear: There's no danger of Oden testing the "crossover" waters a la Kobe Bryant or Ron Artest.

For better or worse, teams change in offseason
Things should be looking up for the Rockets with Ron Artest in town. Charley Rosen audits the offseason changes.

Rockets formally announce Artest trade
Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday. The Rockets announced the five-player trade with Sacramento that also brought forward Patrick Ewing Jr. and guard Sean Singletary in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and Houston's first-round pick next year. "This is definitely the high point of my career," Artest said in a conference call. "It's the biggest opportunity I've ever had playing basketball.

Artest: Going to Houston 'high point of my career'
Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Yao apologizes for comments about Artest's past
Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston.

Yao ends rift, welcomes Artest to Rockets
Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston. Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Artest would be coming to the Rockets from Sacramento for a 2009 first-round pick, guard Bobby Jackson and another player - likely rookie forward Donte Greene.

Yao now welcoming Artest to Rockets (AP)
BEIJING (STATS) -- Yao Ming has quickly squashed any potential rift that could have developed with new teammate Ron Artest prior to the volatile forward's arrival in Houston. Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Artest would be coming to the Rockets from Sacramento for a 2009 first-round pick, guard Bobby Jackson and another player -- likely rookie forward Donte Greene.

Reports: Artest responds to Yao's concerns
Before Ron Artest arrives in Houston, his reputation is preceding him.

Artest moves to clear air with Yao, diffuse tension
Ron Artest tried to diffuse his first Rockets controversy Thursday, insisting that there will be no tension with Yao Ming.

Sources: Kings agree to trade Artest to Rockets
Sources confirm that the Kings have agreed to trade Ron Artest to the Rockets.

Reports: Rockets set to acquire Artest
Ron Artest may be heading to Houston soon. The Rockets have agreed to a deal with the Kings, according to multiple reports.

Reports: Rockets to acquire Artest in trade
Ron Artest may be joining Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston.

Report: Rockets to get Artest in trade
Ron Artest may be joining Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston.

Rockets close to acquiring Artest (AP)
The Houston Rockets are close to an agreement to acquire Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, who played for the Kings from 2000-05, and another player -- likely rookie forward Donte Greene, according to two NBA people who confirmed the deal, but spoke on condition of anonymity...

Artest to represent himself, hopes to leave Kings
Ron Artest will represent himself and hopes for a new team.

Artest to Lakers? Crazy enough to work
Ron Artest to the Lakers? The rumors are out there, and Charley Rosen is here to tell you if the deal is worth the headache.

Report: Lakers approach Kings about Artest
The Lakers' toughness was repeatedly called into question during their NBA Finals loss to the Celtics. According to one report, they may think Ron Artest is the answer to that problem.

Mailbag: Trade Artest or Marion?
Who is more likely to be traded, the Kings' Ron Artest or the Heat's Shawn Marion? Marques Johnson has the answer and then some.

Change of heart? Artest rethinking not opting out
After seeing Elton Brand and Baron Davis unexpectedly put themselves on the free-agent market, Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest is second-guessing himself for not doing the same.

Artest: 'Not opting out' of final year of Kings deal
Ron Artest will not opt out of the final year of his deal with the Kings.

Artest 99 percent sure he won't opt out of contract
Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest, attending Tuesday night's Game 6 of the NBA Finals, told ESPN.com that he's "99 percent sure I won't opt out of my contract" this month to become a free agent July 1.

Kings' Artest has surgery to repair thumb ligament
Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest had surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Kings F Artest has left thumb surgery (AP)
Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest had surgery Thursday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. Artest, who had the surgery in his native New York, will wear a splint for six weeks. He could return to playing basketball in eight to 10 weeks, giving him plenty of time to recover before training camp with the Kings or another team if he decides to opt out of his contract.

Kings hamper Hornets' bid for top seed (AP)

Ron Artest returned from a thumb injury to hit four clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Sacramento Kings dealt a big blow to New Orleans' hopes for the top seed in the Western Conference with a 94-91 victory over the Hornets on Saturday night. The loss dropped the Hornets (55-25) into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the top spot in the West with only two games remaining.

Kings overcome Anthony's 47, top Nuggets (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 36 points despite missing Sacramento's shootaround with the stomach flu, and the Kings dealt a blow to the Denver Nuggets' playoff plans Saturday night with a surprising 118-115 win at the Pepsi Center. The Kings, out of playoff contention and missing Ron Artest (thumb) and Brad Miller (leg), won their fourth straight game and snapped Denver's nine-game home winning streak.

Martin's 26 help Kings beat Clippers (AP)

Kevin Martin hit four 3-pointers while scoring 26 points, and the Sacramento Kings avoided a four-game sweep by the last-place Los Angeles Clippers with a 110-98 victory Thursday night. Francisco Garcia scored 17 points and Mikki Moore added 16 for the Kings, who took a 20-point lead in the third quarter of their fourth victory in five games.

Kings deal Rockets costly loss, 99-98 (AP)

If the Sacramento Kings were in the Eastern Conference, they would be in the thick of the playoff race with huge meaning in every game. In the power-packed West, they have long been eliminated and must take solace in playing the role of spoiler. Ron Artest scored 30 points, Kevin Martin added 27 and the Kings dealt a blow to Houston's chances of winning the Southwest Division with a 99-98 victory...

Report: Artest says he's unlikely to opt out of deal
Ron Artest says it's likely he'll remain with the Sacramento Kings next season rather than opt out of his contract.

Duncan powers Spurs to rout of Kings (AP)

Tim Duncan had 21 points and 13 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Sacramento Kings 102-89 on Friday night. Tony Parker added 19 points for the Spurs, who have won two straight after snapping a season-high four-game losing streak Thursday in Chicago. Ron Artest scored 23 points for the Kings -- 17 in the first half -- and Kevin Martin added 20.

Martin's 34 help Kings top Warriors (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 34 points, Ron Artest added 26 and the Sacramento Kings snapped a three-game losing streak against their Northern California rivals, beating the Golden State Warriors 122-105 Tuesday night. Mikki Moore had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, who had lost five of their last six in a rivalry they mostly dominated before the Warriors' ascension last season.

Martin helps Kings hold off Raptors (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 32 points and had eight rebounds Sunday night to help the Sacramento Kings hold off the struggling Toronto Raptors for a 106-100 victory. Ron Artest added 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Mikki Moore scored 17 for the Kings, who have won three of four games. Jason Kapono scored 26 points off the bench for the Raptors, who have lost four straight and five of six.

Artest helps Kings beat Blazers 96-85 (AP)

Uninspired defense had become the norm for the slumping Sacramento Kings in recent weeks. Ron Artest helped solve that problem Thursday night, playing high intensity defense, and scoring 22 points, for the Kings in a 96-85 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Sacramento had allowed 100 or more points to 11 straight opponents and lost seven of those games, including discouraging defeats to...

Kings edge Bobcats 116-115 in OT (AP)

The health of Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace was the focus after the Sacramento Kings used a frantic finish to beat Charlotte. Wallace was knocked unconscious and had to be wheeled off on a stretcher. That the Kings got 22 points and 14 rebounds from Brad Miller and then overcame Miller's late turnover to edge the Bobcats 116-115 in overtime was an afterthought.

Artest mum on future after Kings keep him
A day after the NBA trade deadline passed and Ron Artest stayed put, the Sacramento forward skipped into the Kings' locker room about an hour before the tipoff of Friday's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. "Go Kings go! Go Kings go!" Artest yelled. "We don't need any cheerleaders. Go Kings go!" Yet just minutes later when Artest was asked if he was happy to still be a King, the smile was no longer on his face. "I have no comment," Artest said.

Artest on remaining a King: 'I have no comment'
A day after the NBA trade deadline passed and Ron Artest stayed put, the Sacramento forward skipped into the Kings' locker room about an hour before the tipoff of Friday's game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Kings spoil Bibby's homecoming 119-107 (AP)

Ron Artest scored 29 points and Kevin Martin had 26 for the Sacramento Kings in a 119-107 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night that spoiled the homecoming of ex-teammate Mike Bibby. Even with the veteran presence of Bibby who scored 17 points, the Hawks lost their sixth straight game overall and eighth consecutive game in Sacramento, where they haven't won since Feb.

Kings extend Blazers' losing streak to 5 (AP)

Ron Artest scored 24 points, Francisco Garcia added 23, and the Sacramento Kings snapped a three-game losing streak with a 105-94 victory Tuesday night over the Portland Trail Blazers. Travis Outlaw had 23 points for the flat Blazers, who lost their fifth straight. Sacramento was playing its first game without veteran Mike Bibby, who was traded over the weekend to the Atlanta Hawks for point guards...

Artest backs off of desire to be traded from Kings
Mike Bibby has been exiled after nearly seven seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Is Ron Artest next?

Rockets win eighth in a row on Novak's 3 (AP)

The Houston Rockets enter the All-Star break with an eight-game winning streak thanks to a clutch shot by Steve Novak. Novak hit a 3-pointer, his only field goal of the game, with two seconds left to lead the Rockets to an 89-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Ron Artest had rallied the Kings back from an 18-point fourth quarter deficit and his off-balance jump shot gave them...

Ellis rallies Kings past Warriors in 4th (AP)

Monta Ellis scored 16 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, including a key jumper with 12.9 seconds left in the Golden State Warriors' 105-102 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Stephen Jackson scored 26 points and hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds to play as the Warriors won for the 10th time in 14 games with another stellar late-game effort from Ellis, who's proving...

Kings snap Jazz's 10-game win streak (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 27 points and the Sacramento Kings pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Utah 117-104 Friday night, ending the Jazz's 10-game winning streak. Ron Artest had 22 points and eight rebounds for Sacramento, which won four of five on its homestand. Brad Miller, who missed the previous game after cutting his right index finger on Sunday while washing the dishes, had 15 points and...

Artest, Martin lead Kings over Bulls (AP)

Ron Artest scored 28 points and Kevin Martin had 26 to help the Sacramento Kings to a 105-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Brad Miller had 22 points and 20 rebounds for the Kings, who have won three straight and are 22-24, the closest they've been to .500 since 10 games into the season.

Hornets suffer second straight loss (AP)

Ron Artest scored 24 points, Kevin Martin added 22 on his 25th birthday and the Sacramento Kings handed the New Orleans Hornets back-to-back losses for the first time in seven weeks, beating the Western Conference's top team 112-103 Friday night. The Hornets had won nine straight games before falling at home to Golden State on Wednesday.

Finally healthy, Kings beat Nets 128-94 (AP)

With their three stars in the starting lineup together for the first time, the Sacramento Kings rolled to their most lopsided win in more than two years. Ron Artest scored 27 points, Kevin Martin added 19 and Mike Bibby scored all 15 of his points in the first half to lead the finally healthy Kings to their season-best third straight victory, 128-94 over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.

Kings' Artest wins in return to Indiana (AP)

Ron Artest scored 15 points against his former team, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Indiana Pacers 110-104 on Saturday night. Artest still is disliked by Indiana fans for his role in the brawl between Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans in 2004. He was booed often, but got his first win against the Pacers since he requested a trade from Indiana two seasons ago.

Artest rallies Kings to win in Detroit (AP)

Ron Artest blew kisses to Detroit fans Friday, and why not? He finally has a pleasant memory to take from here. Artest, suspended 73 games after instigating a November 2004 brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills, came off the bench to score 18 points, including a key basket late in the game, to lift the Sacramento Kings to a 100-93 victory over the Pistons.

Bibby enters in 1st quarter in Toronto
Kings guard Mike Bibby made his season debut Wednesday night, coming off the bench late in the first quarter of Sacramento's game against the Toronto Raptors. Bibby had surgery in November to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, causing him to miss Sacramento's first 36 games. Forward Ron Artest also came off the bench for the Kings. Artest, who is averaging 19.1 points and 6.1 rebounds this season, has missed the past nine games after surgery on his right elbow. Bibby averaged 17.

Kings G Bibby makes season debut (AP)
Kings guard Mike Bibby made his season debut Wednesday night, coming off the bench late in the first quarter of Sacramento's game against the Toronto Raptors. Bibby had surgery in November to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, causing him to miss Sacramento's first 36 games. Forward Ron Artest also came off the bench for the Kings.

Kings overcome injuries, beat Knicks (AP)

No Ron Artest, no Kevin Martin, no Mike Bibby. And somehow, no contest. John Salmons scored a career-high 32 points and the Sacramento Kings shook off more bad injury news Wednesday night to beat the New York Knicks 107-97, snapping a four-game losing streak. Artest had elbow surgery earlier in the day, leaving the Kings without perhaps their three best players.

Latest injury to Kings sidelines Artest 3-4 weeks
Ron Artest had surgery on his right elbow Wednesday and will miss three to four weeks, another blow to the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings.

Artest out 3-4 weeks after surgery
Ron Artest had surgery on his right elbow Wednesday and will miss three to four weeks, another blow to the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings. After missing two games, Artest had an MRI in his hometown of New York, and it was decided to have the procedure to remove five bone chips right after. Artest is averaging 19.1 points in 19 games, having missed the first seven games of the season while serving an NBA suspension.

Kings F Artest out 3 to 4 weeks (AP)
Ron Artest had surgery on his right elbow Wednesday and will miss three to four weeks, another blow to the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings. After missing two games, Artest had an MRI in his hometown of New York, and it was decided to have the procedure to remove five bone chips right after. Artest is averaging 19.1 points in 19 games, having missed the first seven games of the season while serving...

Artest could face surgery on right elbow
Sacramento's Ron Artest could face possible surgery this week to remove chipped bone fragments in his right elbow, a team spokesman said. Artest missed his second straight game Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. The Kings are 2-7 without him in the lineup. He is averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 19 games this season. An eight-year veteran, Artest missed the first seven games this season while serving a suspension. He also didn't play in a Nov.

Kings' Artest might have surgery on right elbow
Sacramento's Ron Artest could face possible surgery this week to remove chipped bone fragments in his right elbow, a team spokesman said.

Kings F Artest may face elbow surgery (AP)
Sacramento's Ron Artest could face possible surgery this week to remove chipped bone fragments in his right elbow, a team spokesman said. Artest missed his second straight game Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. The Kings are 2-7 without him in the lineup. He is averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 19 games this season.

Kleiza beats buzzer, Nuggets top Kings (AP)

Linas Kleiza recovered the ball in a scramble and hit a jumper just before the final buzzer sounded, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 106-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. The Kings kept giving Denver extra chances, like when Brad Miller bricked two free throws with 16.5 seconds left.

Artest, Udrih lead Kings over Bucks (AP)

Ron Artest scored 26 points and had eight assists and Beno Udrih hit a career-high six 3-pointers to help the Sacramento Kings beat the Milwaukee Bucks 102-89 Wednesday night to finish 3-2 on its five-game road trip. Udrih, traded to and released by Minnesota on Oct. 29, and signed by the Kings on Nov.

Kings rally past slumping Bucks 96-93 (AP)

Facing an unfriendly road trip, the Sacramento Kings felt an urgent need to depart Arco Arena with a victory Monday night. It almost didn't happened for the mostly lethargic Kings, who rallied in the fourth quarter behind John Salmons' 22 points for a 93-90 victory over the slumping Milwaukee Bucks. Trailing in a back-and-forth final quarter that saw nine lead changes, Ron Artest made a driving...

Kings rally past slumping Bucks 96-93 (AP)
Facing an unfriendly road trip, the Sacramento Kings felt an urgent need to depart Arco Arena with a victory Monday night. It almost didn't happen for the mostly lethargic Kings, who rallied in the fourth quarter behind John Salmons' 22 points for a 96-93 victory over the slumping Milwaukee Bucks. Trailing in a back-and-forth final quarter that saw nine lead changes, Ron Artest made a driving layup...

Judge dismisses brawl suits against Artest
Two civil lawsuits against Ron Artest stemming from the November 2004 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills have been dismissed. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Diggs Taylor on Monday dismissed the civil lawsuits against the former Indiana Pacer star. Artest's lawyer, Allan Rubin, said Taylor ruled on motions filed by the defense. "We're extremely happy. We believe the court made the right decision," Rubin said. "We believe the plaintiffs were overreaching in their claims.

Judge dismisses Palace brawl suits against Artest
Two civil lawsuits against Ron Artest stemming from the November 2004 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills have been dismissed.

Salmons sparks Kings over Jazz 117-107 (AP)

John Salmons took over the scoring load after Sacramento leading scorer Kevin Martin went down with an injury, scoring 13 straight points for the Kings in one stretch of a 117-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. Martin scored 25 points before leaving the game in the final minute of the third quarter with a pulled groin.

Artest's daughter being treated for kidney cancer
A daughter of Kings forward Ron Artest is being treated for kidney cancer.

Kings spoil Adelman's return to Arco (AP)

Ron Artest and Kevin Martin each scored 26 points, and the Sacramento Kings spoiled former coach Rick Adelman's return to Arco Arena by beating the Houston Rockets 107-99. The Kings took the lead for good with a strong third quarter and withstood a Tracy McGrady-led charge by Houston. McGrady scored 28 of his 40 points in the second half.

Udrih burns Spurs as Kings win 112-99 (AP)

Beno Udrih scored a career-high 27 points against his former team while holding down Tony Parker on defense, and the Sacramento Kings snapped San Antonio's five-game winning streak with a 112-99 victory against the Spurs on Monday night. Ron Artest added 20 points and Brad Miller had 17 points, 10 boards and seven assists.

Artest returns to Sacramento for personal reasons
Forward Ron Artest, who scored a season-high 33 points for Sacramento against Phoenix on Tuesday night, missed Wednesday night's rematch against the Suns for personal reasons.

Udrih helps Kings beat Pistons 105-95 (AP)

Beno Udrih had 23 points and six assists to help the Sacramento Kings beat the Detroit Pistons 105-95 on Sunday night. Udrih, a late preseason cut by San Antonio who came to the Kings as a backup, has quickly become a starter. He showed why against the Pistons, making 9 of 13 shots and all five of his free throws attempts and fueling a strong second half by the Kings.

McCants leads Timberwolves to first win (AP)

The Timberwolves want Rashad McCants to shoot, and that's just what he did. McCants scored a career-high 33 points on 13-for-22 shooting in Minnesota's first victory this season, 108-103 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Ron Artest returned from his seven-game suspension with 17 points and six assists for the Kings, who have lost all five of their road games.

Artest back with Kings after ban
Ron Artest rejoined Sacramento's lineup Wednesday night at Minnesota, ready to resume his never-dull career after serving a seven-game suspension to start the season. The Kings picked up only two victories during Artest's penalty, each against a winless team - the Seattle SuperSonics and the Timberwolves. They were eager to have him back, though Artest expressed little emotion about his return following the team's morning shootaround at Target Center. "It's all good.

After 7-game wait, Artest returns to Kings' lineup
Ron Artest rejoined Sacramento's lineup Wednesday night at Minnesota, ready to resume his never-dull career after serving a seven-game suspension to start the season.

Kings' Artest returns from suspension (AP)
Ron Artest rejoined Sacramento's lineup Wednesday night at Minnesota, ready to resume his never-dull career after serving a seven-game suspension to start the season. The Kings picked up only two victories during Artest's penalty, each against a winless team -- the Seattle SuperSonics and the Timberwolves.

Kings C Miller out Monday vs. Jazz (AP)
Sacramento's Brad Miller missed the Kings' game at Utah on Monday with a bruised right quadriceps. Miller did not dress, leaving the already shorthanded Kings without their leading rebounder against the Jazz. Forward Ron Artest was serving the final game of his seven-game league suspension after pleading no contest to a domestic violence charge.

Ridnour breaks nose, in mask 4-5 weeks
Seattle guard Luke Ridnour broke his nose in the SuperSonics' preseason opener and will have to wear a mask for at least the next month. Ridnour caught an elbow from Sacramento's Ron Artest midway through the first quarter Tuesday night. Ridnour was examined in Sacramento, but underwent additional tests Wednesday back in Seattle. A CT scan revealed a non-displaced fracture of the nasal bone.

SuperSonics G Ridnour breaks nose (AP)
Seattle guard Luke Ridnour broke his nose in the SuperSonics' preseason opener and will have to wear a mask for at least the next month. Ridnour caught an elbow from Sacramento's Ron Artest midway through the first quarter Tuesday night. Ridnour was examined in Sacramento, but underwent additional tests Wednesday back in Seattle.

Ron Artest, F - SAC
Artest requests MRI on knee Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.