Ron Artest: Why Artest's Name Change Coincides with Rise from Villain to Hero

Ron Artest is smack dab in the middle of an image revival. In one of the most interesting turn of events in sports, Artest is transforming himself from hated villain into Disney's Goofy right before our eyes. 

Artest is an enigma that is best unwrapped with kid gloves. You can never be sure as to his reactions to various stimuli. From home, I watch Laker games with eyes agape. I never want to miss a second when Ron Artest is on the television. 

There are times when the demons show themselves. As early as last season, Artest almost completed a haymaker to end all haymakers on the Nuggets' Joey Graham.  

Yet, he pulled his punch. The same man that ran into the stands like an un-caged animal a few years back was contemplating his actions before he connected. 

Artest is doing the same thing with his life. A vocal supporter of mental health, he has sought out help before any team official or family member mandated he do so. That help has made all the difference. 

Artest has been playing with a serenity that was absent when he first entered the league. The fact that this has coincided with a drop in production can be attributed to a great many things. There is no doubt in my mind, though. This Artest is the real one we were meant to see. 

So Artest wants to change his name to Metta World Peace. That should hardly come as a surprise to fans. The same athlete that demands to defend the toughest player on the court is the same that will start up an impromptu football game with fans in the offseason. 

The name change makes sense, as Ron Artest ceased to be a few months back. The man that would wear a scowl all through the game and well into interviews now wears a smile when he can.

The player has become a fan favorite here in Los Angeles. That is a feat that should be put on a mantle with Lance Armstrong's Tour de France titles and Joe DiMaggio's hit record. That is because it is so unlikely.

If you merely recall the vision of the melee at The Palace, you will cringe. You could see an athlete that would never come back into the good graces of sports fans.

Yet, here he is. The man only needs to throw down a slightly odd looking lay-up and finish it by flexing for fans. The fans in turn greet their lovable hero with a standing ovation.

But the applause is colored with something more: smiles. Fans don't just like Ron Artest; they love him, every last bit.

When the ball rolls off his foot, we gently chide him like a child that has barely learned to ride a bike. When he blows a lay-up, we shake our heads like we just saw our buddy swing and miss on picking up a girl at the bar.

When he hits a game-winner, we cheer him like no other. Perhaps it is because we know that he has gone through the fire and still carries demons. Perhaps it is because he is more of a cartoon character than human being.

Maybe it's because he is too wild and crazy not to love. I think it is something far more simple. Ron Artest proves to all fans that you can change your path in life. You are not chained by the shackles of yesterday's mistakes.

Ron Artest proved that he can make you smile, despite his involvement in the worst moment in NBA history. Sometimes redemption manifests itself in the craziest ways.