Ron Artest says he hasn't anticipated emotions surrounding ring ceremony
Lakers forward Ron Artest remained in the locker room as the team took the floor.
The Lakers were about to receive their 2008-09 championship rings just before their season opener last fall, and Artest believed he wasn't deserving to observe the events. He played for the Houston Rockets the previous season and had taken on the Lakers in the playoffs. Viewing the ceremony would bring up hurtful memories about a Houston season fallen short. And he wanted the awkward separation to serve as motivation for eventually partaking in a ring ceremony.
That time is quickly approaching with the Lakers set to receive their 2009-10 championship rings Tuesday before their season opener against Houston. The ceremony will serve as another symbol in Artest's adversarial 11-year career as it comes full circle, continuing the nostalgia Artest has experienced since winning the title in June and beginning the process of his plan to raffle off his championship ring. The raffle begins Oct. 27, when fans can purchase a minimum of five raffle tickets for $2 each through Artest's website. Those proceeds will benefit Xcel University, a charity Artest supports, with funds directed toward two as-yet-determined mental-health causes.
With all those storylines surrounding the season opener, I figured it'd only be natural that Artest has had plenty on his mind this last week. Turns out I was wrong.
"Not until just now," Artest said.
So if Artest feels overwhelmed with emotion during the ceremony and opens the 2010-11 season on a poor note, feel free to blame this one on me for bringing up the issue.
In all seriousness, Artest plans to move forward with the raffle and the season.
"I'm only disappointed because I heard the rings will be really big this year. I heard it's going to be outstanding and be the best we ever got," Artest said. "I know I'm going to like it. I already know. I want to look at it. I can't wait to look at it."
Even among Laker fans that have appreciated Artest's work ethic and goofy antics, there's been plenty of concern that he could raffle off something else more disposable, than say, a championship ring. But Artest has Phil Jackson's full blessing.
"I really haven't talk to him about it," Jackson said. "It's motivation for him. It's great. Use whatever he can to motivate himself."
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
-SAC
-MEM
-TOR
-LA CLIPS
-CLEVE
-N.O.
-G.S.
-CHAR
David Stern, disolve these teams!
Posted by: onetime | October 24, 2010 at 03:35 PM
Ring or no ring, championship or no championship, Ron Artest is a winner throughout. He rose above the expectations that people had that he might explode during the season and anchor the team rather than help steer it to another championship. Throughout the season Mr. Artest rose above it all; to a level no one could have anticipated. Furthermore, he opened up to an extremely personal and sensative topic - mental health - his own mental health. His public airing of this subject shows the champion that he truly is; not many can be as open and honest about such a personal subject - ones mental health.
To: Ron Artest
From: Your Fans (not basketball fans) Your fans
Subject: Mental Health
Here's to your health, and congratulations - you are most deserving of this achievement both on and off the court. God bless.
Posted by: RTorres | October 24, 2010 at 03:55 PM
1. ouchhhhhh - great post regarding this team having 5x the hunger. I believe you're right! It's gotta be motivating as hell to see your teammates get one and you walk away empty-handed... again.... I think this team can be one of the greatest teams ever. Let's hope the injury bug bites someone else for a change.
2. frmkt - LOL - Nash sucks!! (And so does Mo Williams...) I enjoy our witty reparte - see you Tuesday!
3. Socks is on the treadmill?? Woo hoo!! But take it easy young man. Slow & steady - no set backs....
4. RTorres - great post to RonRon. I haven't seen you on here before, but judging from that comment you should come around more often.
5. wes.......... when are you getting your computer fixed?????
6. Zaira - congrats on winning the Friedman award!
7. MM - not to pick nits, but when a profile goes up I think it would be nice to leave it up for awhile so everyone gets a chance to see it and comment. Justa sayin....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2010 at 04:38 PM
MM - forgot something....
Socks on a treadmill.
Shrimp on a treadmill.
See the connection there?
You guys missed a golden opportunity there.... GOLDEN.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Can i be a lakerholic while living in london? I mean i have never met chick hearn or kurt rambis or been to the forum. but i do stay up till 5am to watch every laker game !
Posted by: London Laker | October 24, 2010 at 04:47 PM
London Laker - of course!! We have Laker fans all over the world on here (including others from London) - so welcome and keep on posting about your Laker love. You'll fit right in.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Mamba24 - sorry about that. I must be a lot more tired than I thought....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2010 at 04:55 PM
I love the Artest story...following his antics in the stands I wanted no part of him. The way he matured in Houston, he had become a commodity. I'm going to let him wear the ring on occasion if I win it. Like on the occasions he gets me floor seats.
You guys are right, with health this could be a record breaking team...much more likely that last year.....remember all the 33 plus streak predicitions. I liked the rookies and new players down the stretch at Golden state..
congrats to Brian Shaw ..... good job, the minutes did lots for the young players
Posted by: I hearned that | October 24, 2010 at 05:03 PM
Hey London Laker Fan!! So cool to have you! Please know that many of us have never met any of the Lakers or been to a game, for that matter. We are glad to have you join in! Looks like it will be a great, fun season so get ready. Conratulations on your dedication to get up so early to watch :-)
Posted by: JHF | October 24, 2010 at 05:11 PM
Jamie Sweet,
Enjoyed your profile. I'm with you on Kareem's being the GOAT. Lots of great stories.
It's not over yet...after every hoop - Classic!
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 05:19 PM
Justanothermambafan,
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I just left a note on the last thread, "Where's the shrimp on a treadmill link?"
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Great minds think alike.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 24, 2010 at 05:19 PM
Ron Artest's raffle of his ring is a bizarre indication that Ron is actually the most down to earth member of the Lakers. He's communicating a true love for the game with this raffle: It's not about material posessions or trophies, it's about the love for the game and the knowledge that he is a Champion.
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In addition, he's not empowering some season ticket holder who sits on his hands every game drinking chardonay. He's giving the real faithful of Laker Nation the chance to share in the Lakers' legacy in a meaningful way.
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And he's giving money to charity.
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It could not be more awesome.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 24, 2010 at 05:25 PM
Jon K - LOL - I figured you'd be the next to comment about that! Great minds... exactly.
Hope to meet you and the other LA / SoCal laker fans one day at a sports bar to watch a game. (Wherever the next lucky barstool is, of course). They'd never get us outta there LOL!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2010 at 05:26 PM
@MM - Thanks for the Bynum update.
@Justa - Bowie is the man. Great song selection with Luther in the background and Sanborn on the sax. Luther usually performed a snippet of Young Americans in his concert set and mentioned that Ziggy helped him get started.
@Mamba - Jams, jams and more jams. I've noticed you really like Patrice Rushen...lol.
@Zaira - congrats on RCOTD. I always enjoy reading your posts.
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 05:28 PM
LRob - dang skippy Bowie is the man. I love that song too.... "Ain't there one damn song that can make me - break down and cryyy?" ahhhh sweet memories.... LOL!
I've got a little somethin somethin for tomorrow too - bet you can't wait LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 24, 2010 at 05:32 PM
Until Little Feat is inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame, it has no credibility with me.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | October 24, 2010 at 12:36 PM
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MVP - There are a lot of great groups/artists that aren't in. I can't believe Chicago isn't in yet.
Anyway...I started yesterday with a Jackson Browne song...then posted that about the Rock and Roll HOF...you protest because of Little Feat.... and of course Jackson Browne has been one of their biggest supporters. Here's what he said in his acceptance speech:
"I'd like to thank Lowell George and the great California band Little Feat who was always a sort of mentor, not only to me, but to so many of our other friends."
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 05:41 PM
@Zaira - I saw your listing of those for the Rock and Roll HOF...great job. Are you sure you gave the right age on your profile?
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 05:43 PM
Hey everyone, thanks for the kind words. MM thanks for managing this really cool enterprise. Quite a fine community to say the least.
Jon K, justa, because it's right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMO8Pyi3UpY
I think Ron might cry as only one of the toughest athletes could. From his heart where most of his strength comes from.
Cannot wait for Tuesday, gonna go watch the Vikes and watch folks bbq, no bbq por moi.
The Carl Weathers commercials are awesome.
So is this flick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAtxZHuJNW4
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 24, 2010 at 05:44 PM
KobeMVP88 - Bonnie Raitt, another big Little Feat fan, also acknowledged the group in her HOF speech:
"To Joan Baez, Peter Seeger and Bob Dylan for teaching me to sing for what's right. To the Beatles, the Stones, the artists of Motown, Stax/Volt, Atlantic, Chess/Checker, John Hammond Jr., Aretha, Ray, Mississippi Fred McDowell, the Staples, Chris Smither, Joni Mitchell, Muddy, Wolf, John Lee, Sippie, Taj, Ry Cooder, Little Feat, and of course, the Brown family dynasty--Ruth, Charles, James and Jackson..I thank you."
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 05:47 PM
Can i be a lakerholic while living in london? I mean i have never met chick hearn or kurt rambis or been to the forum. but i do stay up till 5am to watch every laker game !
Posted by: London Laker | October 24, 2010 at 04:47 PM
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Yes London Laker - you are a TRUE Lakerholic!
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 05:50 PM
@Justa - Agree on Bowie...but don't go dissin your Canadian sister or we go have problems...lol.
Tomorrow...hmmm...Banton, Skynard, Badu, Ziggy Stardust - I have no clue, but I'm sure it won't be Celine.
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Tony Parker on why the Spurs trio of Duncan,Ginobli and Parker aren't mentioned as a Big Three like other championship trios (LA, Chi, Bos)...
“I think the fact that me and Manu are international players, I don't think we get the same respect. Because we're not from America, I think that's why we're not considered up there with the Bostons, or the Lakers or Chicago.”
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/last_ride_for_big_three_105452763.html?showFullArticle=y
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 06:10 PM
It's not about material posessions or trophies, it's about the love for the game and the knowledge that he is a Champion.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 24, 2010 at 05:25 PM
our legendary blogger is full of contradictions.
1. he does not like twitter (see Ebanks quotes), bad spelling and grammar
but see, "posessions". i guess in this context it will be correct: we don't like POSSESSIONS, so we have the RIGHT to misspell it.
2. after the Memphis, the one with the Gasol speech and Fisher support, Jon K declared that he is NOT INTERESTED in individual statistics. That was the game when Kobe "Bean" Bryant became the Lakers ALL TIME scorer by passing West. indeed, fits the same mind set regarding material possessions, records and let's say individual stats versus TEAM. and let's don't forget the LOVE.
but, but, but,
but
during the playoffs, the same Jon K from above was PESTERING and terrorizing MM for like 2-3 days, for MM to find out where Derek Fishers total of 3 points in playoffs stands vs. Michael Jordan.
isn't Fshers 3 's total an individual stat? a material possession? a trophy?
whowwww, the same old SCRUBS LOVE.
i'm wondering where is Caliphilosopher's Grammar and Logic Police Task Force? or is he policing only pfunk and not the so called blog legends?
Posted by: the Activator | October 24, 2010 at 06:11 PM
MJ on his Charlotte Bobcats chances this season...
"At minimum, we should make the playoffs," Jordan said. "And I think we should go deep into the playoffs."
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That's makes good sense especially with DJ Augustin running point and Nazr Mohammed holding down the middle. About as much sense as his Kobe comments.
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 06:16 PM
does chris broussard seem to be tryin' too hard to have an accent?
Posted by: frmkt | October 24, 2010 at 08:46 PM
blake griffin will be a laker one day
Posted by: frmkt | October 24, 2010 at 08:49 PM
Activator -
Policing? I was responding to an oft-repeated failing argument about Luke being worth nothing. I can police your comments too if you'd like, but there will be a fee.
Have a good night!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | October 25, 2010 at 12:50 AM
ANY ONE WNAT SOME OF THIS MONEY, IN IF YOU WANT SOME COME ON IN GET SOME
Posted by: LEWIS MONROE | October 25, 2010 at 10:13 AM
This is the year that Bynum comes into his own and doesn't get hurt. Gasol and Bynum together will absolutely dominate the paint no matter who they play.
Posted by: Paul Randall | October 25, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Paul R. I agree, our big men get healthy and dominate
frmkt.....when does Blake become a laker....i love the thought (Clippers are our farm team)
tired of Michael here...what would he have been without nike
MM..you do a great job, thanks....How is Kareem's health?
Posted by: I hearned that | October 25, 2010 at 11:10 AM
hey bossmansir . didnt do too good yesterday. u gotta check this thing out. everythings in one spot. ull c. http://sportscomplainer.com . my sports manag prof told me about it. alright.
Posted by: ronronron | October 25, 2010 at 12:32 PM
It's good LA is talking about the ring ceremony not just some big threes.
Posted by: Showtime | October 25, 2010 at 11:47 PM
Tony Parker on why the Spurs trio of Duncan,Ginobli and Parker aren't mentioned as a Big Three like other championship trios (LA, Chi, Bos)...
“I think the fact that me and Manu are international players, I don't think we get the same respect. Because we're not from America, I think that's why we're not considered up there with the Bostons, or the Lakers or Chicago.”
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/last_ride_for_big_three_105452763.html?showFullArticle=y
Posted by: LRob | October 24, 2010 at 06:10 PM
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Maybe they are not that well-known when they joined Duncan. But they're Big 3 for me.
Posted by: Showtime | October 25, 2010 at 11:52 PM