It's not like we're looking for this guy to fail. I just want him to succeed - he says the right things. His actions in the game weren't that egregiou., Stupid, yes. Self-centered, yes. But in no way Palace-level.

Sometimes you just wish he could step up. I don't think it's going to come from him, though. He needs help, and in a way the team that plays with him has to baby him. Trump his confidence at the small-plays. Maybe the fade-away threes aren't just him trying to show off, but him trying to get some love. If the fans react the same way to him making Kobe give-up the ball, maybe he'll stop doing what Kobe does to get Kobe love.

That's alot to ask from a team though. And (fickle) fans aren't willing to commit that much to their players. Too bad.

We all know what Ron Artest can be. The question is how to maximize his potential. Clearly he's not going to do that by himself. How much investment are we willing to make?

(btw, I'm sure all the trade talks really help him, to feel unwanted - maybe thats why he always insists he wants to stay in Sacramento, but also says things about leaving - trying to please everybody). It's weird. I wish the guy the best-of-luck.

I was at this game here in Utah, and I must say, it seems a lot different watching these clips.  First off, the fans in Utah went a little far in my opinion, the way they were heckling and booing Artest.  While I was at the game, caught up in the moment, I really was upset at Artest and felt embarrassed.  I still want him traded, but I can appreciate the intensity he brings.  Most people around the league are just waiting for him to snap, but he can be extremely valuable.  Second, as I mentioned in a diary, I have no love for Matt Harpring.  He thinks he is so tough because he comes from a "football" family as he always like to tell people.  I am not sure if he is told to play the way he does, but I love it when people just take it to him.
Secondly, I was very happy to see Reggie stick up for his team, and point at the ref the way he did. The crowd also loved it, but it was because he got a technical.  The people of Utah have no love for our Kings, and just look for reasons to hate us.
TZ, thanks for posting the video.  I appreciate being able to see it from a different view.

the Kings would definitely be much better off without the drama. Ron plays tough, physical defense with a lot of emotion. His game was clearly effected by the Utah Jazz as they play that way as a team. Most nights we see a confident, talented, and controlled player on the court. Every so often though, we see him play and cringe to think what may happen. Getting tossed was a good thing in this case, as I was concerned he was going to lose it even further. Not the kind of player that a franchise can rely on with a long term lucrative contract. Trade Ron, keep Bibby. We can always take solace in the fact that we are not Knicks.

I did not get to see the second half on Friday, and now I am glad.  I am embarrassed to see someone act like that in a Kings uniform.  The chest thumping and yelling is obnoxious.  The Kings are too proud a franchise to have a player acting like that.  I am not pleased.

Whether we trade him or not, I hope this is his last year in the Kings uniform.