Ron Artest leaving Rockets for Lakers?

Ron Artest is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to various media reports. The free-agent forward told CBSSports.com on Thursday that he was leaving the Houston Rockets to join Kobe Bryant and the defending NBA champion Lakers. “I’m definitely going to L.A. — to sign, yeah,” Artest told CBSSports.com. “Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I’m in L.A. right now.”

Artest told the Web site he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss and coach Phil Jackson, and was completing details on his deal.

In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: “I am happy to say I am goin’ to L.A.”