ARTEST SAYS BLAME WILL BE ON HIM IF LAKERS DON'T REPEAT

Ron Artest in a recent interview has said if his Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him. "They should. That's exactly what should happen if we don't repeat," the star forward said during a visit to promote the Lakers' exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

Artest who has professed his newfound affection for Southern California, signed a five year deal worth $33 million as a free agent in July. "They won last year, and I'm the new addition. The fans expect to repeat. Everybody in L.A. expects a second ring. And if we don't then yeah, they should point it right at me, throwing tomatoes and everything."

- Jason