Looking for a ring, Artest finds Lakers

Ron Artest is joining 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.

ESPN.com reported that Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. Bauman would not confirm those numbers.
"We're not quite there yet," Bauman said. "We're still working on it."

Artest $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

"He wants to win a ring," Bauman said of Artest, the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year. "He's a winner and a hard worker and he went looking for a team with whom he could find some justification for what he does."

Artest could not immediately be reached for comment. He told CBSSports.com that he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss and coach Phil Jackson. In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, he wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."