Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest looking to play in United Kingdom: NBA Update
According to sources, Los Angeles Lakers small forward Ron Artest will travel to United Kingdom in a few weeks time in order to tie up a deal with the British professional basketball team the Cheshire Jets. Since the veteran is
interested in playing with the British team.
The Jets have also confirmed the news and their director Pete Hawkins said: “I spoke to Ron’s representatives on Tuesday night. We have agreed the fundamentals of the deal and Ron is coming over (to England) in a few weeks.
“What we need to do is match up our timetables because we need him here for the start of the season, but there is a bit of a clash of timetables. If we can sort that out then the deal will be done, but talks are ongoing so hopefully
we can get everything straightened out in time.”
Earlier, when the rumour spread in the league that Artest will play in British Basketball League, his agent David Bauman nipped the rumour straight away by saying that he had told his client that teams in that league are not competitive
enough to quench his thirst.
At that time Bauman also told that, “If we do Europe, it’s going to be Israel, Russia, Greece, Turkey, Italy or maybe France. …”
However, now it seems that Artest has made up his mind to take his talents to England. The Jets, which are looking to land Ron in their side based in the city of Chester, in Cheshire, U.K. Earlier the team was known by the name
of Chester Jets and the current home court of the team is Northgate Arena.
The 31 year old was in talks with the directors of the Jets for weeks now. Earlier this month when Jets inquired about Ron’s availability, surprisingly he said that he is available and ready to come over and play for them.
So as a result of that the two sides are now meeting face to face for the first time in order to sign a deal after overcoming the finer details of the contract. If this deal takes place between Ron and the Jets it will be the biggest
transfer in the history of the British basketball league.
These minor details that Ron and the Jets are looking to hammer out include schedule measure up. Since the club wants him right from the start of the season. However, the Jets are optimistic about their upcoming meeting that will
help them conclude the deal.
If Ron successfully pulls the deal with the Jets, he will be the first player to sign a contract with a British team since the lockout was imposed.
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