Lakers make Artest deal official

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Ron Artest, making official a deal agreed to last week. The team announced the signing early Wednesday but did not release the terms. ESPN.com and the Los Angeles Times have reported that Artest, who was an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million when he decided to join the team on Thursday. The 6-foot-7 forward earned $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists.