Artest Headed to L.A.
The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement in principal with free-agent forward Ron Artest on a multiyear contract which totals approximately $18.7 million over three years or $33.5 million over five years, according to ESPN.com.
ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reported late Thursday night that the financial terms of the deal have not been completed because Artest's camp wants more time to weigh its options. Wednesday is the first day players can sign new contracts for the 2009-10 season when the league announces the new salary-cap ceiling and luxury-tax threshold.
A five-year deal, which Broussard reported would include a player option on the fifth season, would bring Artest added security in case of injury, while the shorter three-year deal would enable Artest to return to free agency at age 32. The latter scenario would give Artest full Larry Bird rights and the potential to sign a more lucrative deal with the Lakers or another team....
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