Lakers introduce Artest at press conference: I've wanted this for a long time (video)

July 8, 3:17 PMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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  Artest during photo session at his introduction. AP/Scott Andrews

Ron Artest was introduced to media today at the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo, CA and it was hard for him not to smile during most of the session. He made one thing crystal clear: he has lusted after being a Laker for two years and when he found out it was a possibility he was excited.

I think we already knew that since the telephone call with his agent, David Bauman was recorded on video and posted on Artest's Twitter page, @96TruwarierQB. But the usually edgy and somewhat frantic personality seen recently in his posted videos was clear, measured and reassuring about what kind of teammate he'll be and what kind of man he has become since the brawl in Detroit.

Although he had no compunction about reminding us that he is a fun loving guy, he said that he now puts his family and the game of basketball first. When asked if he thought he'd have to win over Kobe Bryant to demonstrate how he can help make the Lakers a better team Artest said:

I have to win myself over first, I have to make sure I do everything possible this summer to come back a better player. If I give 100% I know it won't be a problem to win the team over."

He said it was a fairy tale ending to be able to play with Lamar Odom, one of the current NBA players with whom he played as a kid in Queens. Of course he wasn't able to say with any specificity if Lamar would be back to join him but he's hopeful. And if it wasn't enough to get a chance to play with Kobe and Lamar, Artest said:

If you throw Phil Jackson in the mix, who would pass on an opportunity to play under Phil?"

He proudly displayed his #37 purple and gold jersey and confirmed to us that one of his fans made the suggestion to take that number. He opened the floor to his fans on My Space and Twitter to give him an idea. It reminded me of a radio DJ gimmick, but then again, he's a fun-loving guy, right?

He liked the suggestion from a young lady who told him to honor Michael Jackson with the number of weeks that "Thriller" sat at #1 on the charts. I guess that helps explain the rap song posted on YouTube.

He patiently answered repeated questions about why his previous behavior wouldn't be replicated. He mentioned his quiet two years in Houston and went into a fair amount of detail about his transformation, especially during the year he was suspended. But he playfully admitted that he misses some of his freedom to act any way he chooses:.

I am not in a position to do anything to win, or I'll get suspended. I try to be as smart as possible and as aggressive as possible without being ejected."

That is one of the things that he likes about his future while playing with Kobe. Since the Mamba is so intense, driven and aggressive, Artest thinks it will take some of the burden off him to be a bully. I'm Mitch Kupchak was happy to hear that.

When Kupchak was asked if he had any qualms about Ron's troubled past he said in that laconic way of his that he has seen and heard enough for him not to worry about putting Artest in a Laker uniform. Artest's agent said his client signed a five-year, not a three-year deal for $33.5 million, the league's full mid-level exception. The player has an option after the fourth year.

Part of the allure of being in Los Angeles for Artest is the attitude of the fans. He said:

They are so confident. I've never experienced that before. They ask me if I'm ready for my ring. Everywhere I've gone here all the fans are great."

When asked if he could defer to Kobe in the locker room and on the floor he cracked up the assembled media by saying, that it was a no-brainer and that even he, who never finished school, knew that.

We all heard the good stuff he was pitching and the confidence shown by Mitch Kupchak but the proof is in the pudding. For better or worse, Ron-Ron is in town, rapping, Tweeting and smiling. Only time will tell if he will be the piece the team thinks it needs to win a second straight championship.

FOLLOW ME, NOT JUST ARTEST, ON TWITTER             

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