Dallas, Texas, USA (NEWSTABULOUS) – The Lakers forward, Ron Artest has been suspended from Game 3 of their second round series against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night for hitting Dallas guard J.J. Barea in the face with his forearm in Game 2.
The struggling Lakers are already down 0-2 in this series and will playing Game 3 without a key starter will hurt.
Prior to boarding the team flight to Dallas on Thursday, Artest said:
“No reaction. I’m just ready to move forward and play basketball.”
Barea was dribbling the ball around Lamar Odom with 24 seconds left to go in the game that was already won by Dallas when Artest moved in and swung his forearm at the guard’s head. Artest was immediately ejected. The league said Thursday that his actions would be assessed a flagrant foul. An accumulation of flagrant foul points could lead to another suspension.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson said:
“Not surprised.”
Artest’s defensive presence and tenacity make him a huge part of the Laker’s plan. He has started all 90 games for Los Angeles in the regular season and postseason.
Artest said:
“We’ve got a big game tomorrow. There’s nothing more important than Game 3.”
When asked whether he let his team down Artest stated:
“We’re just moving forward.”
Odom said:
“His presence will be missed. I haven’t played small forward in a couple of years, but I’ll adjust and I’ll try to impact the game wherever I am on the court. I’ll be ready.”
Kobe Bryant added that without Artest in the lineup the Lakers must do “the same thing we have to do with him – defend and rebound the ball.”
Artest will lose over $57,000 due to the suspension without pay. He is expected to return for Game 4 on Sunday.
photo:mixxbuzzers.com
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