Ron Artest Returns to Houston

Despite getting a technical foul, Ron Artest’s return to Houston was smooth, and the Lakers walked away with a 103-102 overtime win. Artest received boos from Houston Rockets’ fans but managed to keep his emotions in check. After the game he told reporters, “I had to fall back a little because I saw they were trying to get me ejected. [Luis] Scola hit me hard. I’m like, ‘I’m stronger than you. [Trevor] Ariza hits me, I’m like, ‘I’m definitely stronger than you.’”

Less than three minutes into the game, Ariza and Artest were each called for a technical foul after pushing each other and Artest admitted that he pondered wrapping his hands around Ariza’s throat saying, “It was a thought. Then I thought about [Commissioner] David Stern. I’m not fighting any more. You can elbow me, smack me, use me as a punching bag.” Artest revealed that he regretted playing for Houston for one season but added, “I was fine with that even though I was in my contract year.” Before signing a five-year, $34-million contract with the Lakers, Artest averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season for the Rockets.

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