This was released by Ron Artest's agent, David Bauman, late Thursday night:
Houston Rockets’ Forward Ron Artest Agrees to Terms with NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers
Washington, DC (July 2, 2009) -- NBA Agent David Bauman announced today that his client, Ron Artest, has agreed to join the NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers. “I am pleased to announce that my client, Ron Artest, has reached a verbal agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers on a free agent contract. It is Ron’s intention to sign a long-term contract with the Lakers on July 8, 2009, once the NBA’s signing moratorium has expired, pursuant to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement,” said agent David Bauman.
“I am very excited to finally be going to L.A. For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align. I’m finally a Laker and I can’t wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau and the rest of the team, and play for Phil,” said Artest. "The Lakers really made me feel wanted. I had a great talk today with Phil. I’m a huge fan of his and I can’t wait to show him what I can do. I also spoke with Magic Johnson last night. In addition, my agent (David) has been in constant contact with Mitch Kupchak. I made my decision after I had lunch today with Dr. Buss, and I realized what a great organization I’m joining. I'm very, very excited to be a Laker. I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center."
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