2010 NBA Playoffs: Lakers’ Artest passes another test

Consider for a moment what was at stake as Ron Artest charged through the lane with less than two seconds to go, Thursday night.

Here was a guy who has been much maligned throughout his career.

He’s a head case.

He’s got a temper.

His teams don’t win.

He beat up a fan in the stands.

Then he gets reborn when the Lakers sign him to replace Trevor Ariza, who eventually signed with the Rockets (Artest’s team last season). Artest became the de facto stopper on the favorite to win the NBA championship, without the added pressure of having to contribute offensively.

Los Angeles, a team in a must-win situation last night, was nursing a three-point lead with the shot clock running down. After a missed shot, Pau Gasol grabbe...

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