Hunger brought Artest to Lakers

Free agency has given professional athletes the ability to take their talents to whichever team they choose.

Some players simply follow the money and sign with the club offering the most lucrative contract. Others choose the franchise that provides the best chance of winning a title. Sometimes, playing close to family or home is a determining factor.

LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade set a new precedent this season by deciding where to go as a group.

Ron Artest always has been different.

The forward signed with the Lakers apparently because of fast food.

"I love In-N-Out. It's addicting. It's the only reason I'm here in L.A.," Artest told the Los Angeles Times. "If it wasn't for In-N-Out Burger, I probably would've gone to Memphis or something."

Artest's comments about the popular West Coast restaurant chain came during an interview before Monday's victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was expressing his joy about having his technical fouls from the closing seconds of Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers rescinded by the league.

The overturned technicals saved Artest $4,000.

"I could've bought 10,000 In-N-Out Burgers," he said, clearly miscalculating the cost. "I rather would've done that than give it away. I'm going to get 10 burgers (after Monday's game)."

Artest famously thanked his psychiatrist after helping the Lakers win the NBA championship last season. At this rate, he might have to thank his cardiologist the next time he wins a title.

■ NEW RECRUIT -- A halftime promotion at a Boston Blazers professional lacrosse game has led to the team apologizing to irate fans.

Three dancers competed to give team mascot Scorch the best lap dance to the hip-hop song "Low" during a Saturday night game at TD Garden, according to the Boston Herald.

Video of the contest is circulating on the Internet, and team president and general manager Doug Reffue issued an apology, saying the act was "clearly not executed according to plan."

While many fans have expressed outrage over the odd choice of halftime festivities, not everyone is turned off.

One day after he officially retired from football, Brett Favre was seen carrying around a lacrosse stick and asking if the Blazers are in need of a quarterback.

■ CREEPY CORONER -- A celebratory sled ride in the front yard turned deadly for a New York Jets fan shortly after the team's upset victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

According to the Staten Island Advance, a 46-year-old man in a Mark Sanchez jersey was struck and killed by a vehicle after sledding down his driveway and into the street in front of his home.

The accident occurred about an hour after the game. Authorities do not suspect any criminality on the part of the 61-year-old female driver.

The Jets sent their condolences, and coach Rex Ryan personally came by to apply the toe tag.

COMPILED BY ADAM HILL
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL