Fri, July 03, 2009
HOUSTON: 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.
ESPN.com reported that Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. Bauman would not confirm those numbers, saying the deal was still being negotiated.
"We're not quite there yet," Bauman said. "We're still working on it."
The free-agent forward told CBSSports.com on Thursday that he was leaving the Houston Rockets to join Kobe Bryant and the defending NBA champion Lakers.
"I'm definitely going to L.A. - to sign, yeah," Artest told CBSSports.com. "Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I'm in L.A. right now."
Artest told the Web site he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss and coach Phil Jackson, and was completing details on his deal.
In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."
(Agencies)
