Ron Artest | featured news

When Metta World Peace of the Lakers threw an elbow at Oklahoma City’s James Harden — who sustained a concussion — the N.B.A. joined the N.H.L. in a parade of violence in sports.

"Dancing with the Stars" viewers didn't give Metta World Peace a chance. The basketball star formerly known as Ron Artest was the first celebrity ejected Tuesday from the 13th edition of the ABC dancing competition. The show's judges gave World Peace the lowest score on Monday's premiere: 14 out of a possible 30.

This may be the last time Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest will answer to that name.

The new cast of "Dancing With the Stars" has been revealed. ABC says the 13th season of the hit show will feature a mix of actors, athletes and TV personalities. Set to tango and quickstep with professional dance partners will be basketball star Ron Artest; World Cup soccer player Hope Solo; reality stars Robert Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari and Chaz Bono; TV personalities Nancy Grace, Carson Kressley and Ricki Lake; singer-actress Chynna Phillips; actors David Arquette and J.R. Martinez; and Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis, who may be better known in the United States for being George Clooney's ex-girlfriend.

Yesterday, Ron Artest's attorney filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to change the Los Angeles Lakers forward's name to Metta World Peace. Born Ronald William Artest Jr., the 31-year-old cited personal reasons for wanting to make the change. This is not the first time a sports personality has changed their monicker, neither is it the first time a musician has changed their name. After the jump, a list of the weirdest name changes we can remember.

As if things weren't already looking bleak for the Lakers, there's a good chance they will have to play Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Mavericks without forward Ron Artest.

Ron Artest proved it in his opening-minute scuffle with Paul Pierce, tumbling to the ground with a vise grip on the Celtics star's elbow....

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Ron Artest added 15 points and five steals, and the Los Angeles Lakers raced away from the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their ninth straight victory, 108-88 Sunday night.

Pau Gasol scored 14 points for the well-rested Lakers, who improved to an NBA-best 16-3 with their second home win in 24 days over road-weary Phoenix.

The Lakers are close to reaching an agreement with Houston forward Ron Artest, The Times has learned. The move would probably end the pursuit of forward Trevor Ariza.