Ron Artest loves LA & the LA fans
Since debuting with the Chicago Bulls in 1999, the life and career of Los Angeles Lakers' forward Ron Artest can be described as the combination of impressive, sad and bizarre. Artest's wacky road has included All-Star and All-Defensive accolades, the most famous player/fan altercation in sports history and a claim that he used to consume Hennessy cognac during halftime of games.
Via a myriad of on and off-the-court occurrences, Artest can easily be considered one of the most infamous men ever to set foot on the NBA hardwood.
Well, that was then and this is now.
Since joining the Lakers, prior to this season, Artest has exhibited a maturity and comfort level not seen in any of his previous stops. It is abundantly clear that Artest feels right at home amid the dual cultures of the Lakers and the city of Los Angeles.
This idea has been very evident when witnessing his continual interaction with the LA community. Below are two pieces of video and a story displaying this situation.
The first video is set outside of Toast Bakery Café on 3rd St. in Los Angeles.
The second video takes place at Warehouse Shoe Sale on Century Blvd. in Inglewood, the old home of the Lakers. Artest was taking part in an autograph signing at the store.
The story involves a fan describing his chance meeting and photo with Artest at an LA Starbucks.
Photograph Source: Zuma Press
