The Lakers were losing to the Mavericks at the end of Game 2 when Ron Artest decided to go Ron Artest. In a move only someone as numbskulled as him could have conceived, Artest ran into Mavs guard J.J. Barea clothesline style.
Artest received a technical foul and ejection for his actions. I know some people will defend him and say he shouldn’t be suspended, but there’s little doubt in my mind that he should be. The game was no longer in question, there was 30 seconds left, and Artest’s intent to harm Barea was clear. That’s a lot different from a physical play or doing something in the heat of the moment. This was clearly planned out by Artest and he should have to pay the price. Sadly, with the way he’s been playing, it might not be the worst thing for the Lakers if he missed Game 3.
UPDATE: As the Mavericks were getting ready to finish a sweep of the Lakers, Andrew Bynum leveled Barea with an even worse cheap shot.
