Artest defends against Knicks' Chris Duhon (AP)
Ron Artest could play the role of Two-Face in yet another remake of the Batman saga. He's a free spirit off the court and a controlled team member while on the hardwood. The posted video below is a good reflection of that.
A recent Sporting News article has been quoted liberally in the last 24 hours with Artest's statements about half-time drinking during his Chicago Bulls playing days and a verbal blast of ref Joey Crawford. But also posted for all to see are the box scores from recent Lakers games.
Artest has steadily increased his scoring totals while maintaining his effectiveness in the offense with rebounds and assists. All observers can see a difference in his attitude on court. He's less hesitant and more confident.
Nevertheless, his pronouncements are becoming a tad concerning to Lakers fans. Not a big one mind you. Lakers bloggers Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky threw up a poll on their site to measure the level of trepidation out there.
Most poll takers aren't troubled by his revelation of half-time drinking from early in the decade but the comments about Joey Crawford favoring the Lakers during Houston's playoff series last spring get the nerves jangled a bit.
A week ago, Artest was clowning on Jimmy Kimmel in his boxer shorts and although it was an over-the-top moment, the Lakers could laugh or just shake their heads. It didn't move the meter for Phil Jackson, while Kobe just shook his head.
Like many others in Los Angeles they see a buttoned-down Artest during practice and games. He has fewer technicals than Kobe Bryant so far this season and has rarely barked at an official after being called for a foul. And now he's becoming more of an offensive contributor.
We were warned by critics of Ron-Ron that it would only be a matter of time before he became a poisonous influence in the locker room. That hasn't happened yet and perhaps won't.
But the huge discrepancy between his seeming willingness to say whatever comes to his mind and his ability to shut that down while playing basketball is unsettling. Hard not to wonder when the wall between the two gets cracked beyond repair.
We'll find out how unsettling it is to his team if and when the NBA fines Artest for his criticism of Crawford.
LA Times Lakers blog, here LA Sports Examiner, Lionel Hill has a take on Artest, here
Comments
Leave Ron alone, he is doing a wonderful job, so what he speaks his mind, he is a great contributor to the team and in my opinion adds a bit of character, Good Job Ron, dont change, your temper is in check and your back on top, it's always going to be people who have negative thoughts.
I love Ron's game and how he has fit in with the team. But it's the statements like he made that might make Phil and Kobe unhappy. They might be critical and that is what I wrote about.
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