Artest May Have a Future in This Media Game

Wizards Insider Michael Lee is one of the best of biz. But sometimes, you end up with a great story out of pure fate. Like when Lee found out that Ron Artest would be sitting beside him for game four.

Ron Ron didn't disappoint, with a running commentary that managed to provide insight while still being slightly insane. One especially revealing moment came when he discussed his old friend and AAU-mate Lamar Odom, who finally broke out -- for one half:

After Odom dominated in the first half, dazzling with his aggressive drives to the basket and his playing making ability, Artest said, "When we played together ... that's the only Lamar I know." He shouted encouragement to Odom throughout the entire game, especially in the second half, when Odom reverted to his passive ways. "He's got to shoot the ball," Artest said.

One, this a heartbreaking angle on the ongoing mystery that is Lamar Odom, who still transfixes a lot of people who should know better. But, like Ron Ron's recent forays into journalism, it shows that Artest likes to talk hoops and has a unique take on the game. One that's both overwhelmingly personal and pretty darn smart. It may not be conventional -- how could it be? -- but I'd make him a dark horse to have a fruitful, if not long, second career.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.