Ron Artest being lured to United Kingdom by the ‘Soapy’ Cheshire Jets – NBA Update
While most players are negotiating deals with clubs in the Turkish, Russian and Chinese leagues during the lockout; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest, being the ultimate individualist (some will say insane) is pondering over
a move to the lowly British Basketball League (BBL).
According to reports, the Cheshire Jets presented Ron with a rather unusual offer. Given the British league lacks both funds and popularity and the Jets, in a typical British way, have offered Ron help in the pursuit of his television
career, if he decides to join them. Who will get more benefit from the deal is anybody’s guess.
This offer was made by the Jets on account of the fact that they were unable to offer Artest the amount of money that other European clubs have the ability to do. Hence, the Jets have thrown in ‘Prominent TV work in the UK’ as
part of their package.
"You'll appreciate that we haven't got the means to entice someone of Ron's standing on financial grounds," Jets director Peter Hawkins said. "Our commitment is to help raise Ron's profile in the UK in order to help him develop
his music and movie career over here while playing basketball."
It is being said that Ron will most likely be offered a role in a popular British soap opera. However, Ron has not revealed anything conclusive as of yet. His agent, Courtney Barnes, stated that Ron will be visiting the United
Kingdom later this August to have a meeting with the Jets.
They are expected to discuss the options that might be available to Ron if he decides to accept the offer. "Ron is just going to the UK to take a meeting," Barnes said. "That's it.”There's no deal in place for him to play. ...
He is just going to see the lay of the land."
Although Artest has not commented on this issue, he has certainly hinted a ray of interest in the matter at hand. It appears that despite the below par status of the British Basketball League, Ron is giving serious thought in a
move to the Jets.
On Tuesday, he tweeted "Go Jets!!!!! UK , here we come!!! Jets are the best!!! Jets are the best!!! New chant!!!!!!!!!"
In reply to Ron’s apparent interest, Cheshire Jets director Peter Hawkins exclaimed: "We are honoured that Ron has even mentioned the prospect of joining the Jets. Financially we have nothing to offer him, but it would be so significant
for UK basketball, we have offered him a stake in the club and all the love in the world!"
Even if Ron decides to play for the Jets, he will have to return to the Los Angeles Lakers once the lockout ends. This is according to the legislation passed by the international basketball governing body FIBA.
Ron averaged 8.5 points per game for the Lakers last season and still has three years and $21 million remaining on his contract.
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