L.A. Lakers: Ron Artest to Play Overseas in the UK

Ron Artest is set to head overseas to play professional basketball for the Cheshire Jets in the British Basketball League, the Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday.

Ron Artest is the first Lakers player—Trey Johnson's Italy signing aside—to defect from the U.S. and head overseas to play professionally for a team other than the Lakers during this offseason for the ages.

Ron Ron acknowledges that the teams in the British Basketball League "aren't good," but this decision can be considered a seismic shift in the mentality of the Lakers players in preparing for an extended work stoppage.

A move like this by Ron can only make Kobe Bryant, the most talked about candidate for an overseas stint, that much closer to packing his bags and leaving the U.S.

To Artest, this appears to be more of a financial decision than a basketball decision, stating:

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"You just have to work...If you get fired, you have to get work. If you're not getting paid, you have to find a job."

"

With all of the business ventures Artest had cooking up this offseason, between a "Dancing With the Stars" gig, his comedy tour and shopping his reality show to networks, it would seem that finances would not be driving Ron's career decisions.

But as is the case with the loose cannon we now know as World Peace, you never know what you're going to get.

Britain better brace itself—Artest's taking his talents and his crazy to jolly old England. What a decision.

UPDATE 8/9/11 - 9:45 PM PST

The Los Angeles Times is now reporting that Ron will be flying to Britain from Aug. 18-23 to speak with team officials. A deal is not official yet.

Based on Ron's twitter activity, it appears he's leaning towards a commitment. Stay tuned.