Ron Artest's interaction with his fans is making him LA's sweetheart

He's come a long way from the Malice in the Palace. LA Laker Ron Artest has done a lot  for his fans since arriving in LA this summer. His frequent responses to his followers on Twitter and ticket giveaways through his personal email account are just the beginning.

Here 20-year-old Harbor City resident Angelica Raquid discusses her new friendship with Artest and shows us why we may all want him over for dinner this season. They are scheduled to appear on ESPN together on October 27 at 4p.m.

How did you and Ron meet?
Ron and I met through a tokbox video chat that he had with about 20 fans one night in August. My friend sent me a link via AOL Instant Messenger telling me that Ron was live online. So I decided to enter the room. Little did I know that it was going to turn on my webcam! I was in such shock that I covered my face because I was in my pajamas getting ready to sleep. Ron then yells, "HEY! hey you Asian girl! If you're just gonna hide your face, get out of this room!" So I decided to suck it up and just stay in there. And that's basically where it all started...

What makes your relationship so unique? What bonds you guys as friends?
I think that our friendship was something that happened very naturally. Me, my family, and Ron just hit it off well from the very first time we met him -- when he surprise-visited me for my birthday party at my house!  We joke around and tease with each other a lot. Surprisingly, we don't even talk about basketball much. I think it's also pretty cool that he calls us his "Filipino" family, because he loves eating Filipino food at my house and loves learning new things about the Filipino culture.

How does he get along with your family? What does that mean to him?
As far as interaction with my family, Ron's involvement in our lives is beyond what I would have ever asked for. He is a source of inspiration and motivation for me and my younger siblings. Since he has entered our lives, it was been amazing. And I'd hope that he knows how much of an impact he is in our lives! I see that he makes my family very happy.

How do you think your friendship has softened his image?
Interacting with his fans has definitely set him apart from every single NBA player. No one I have heard of has done this for his fans -- especially of his caliber. He has definitely made himself a lovable figure here in Los Angeles, and I'm glad he is sharing himself with his fans!

Don't forget to watch Angelica and Ron next week on ESPN!