Ron Artest faces a likely suspension after the Los Angeles Lakers' forward gave Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea a forearm to the face for no apparent reason on Wednesday. With the Lakers down double digits with just moments left, Barea was bringing the ball up court when Artest clotheslined him, drawing an immediate ejection and mass confusion as to why in the world he would do that with the odds already stacked against L.A.
No Mavericks reacted to the blow -- it's possible no one saw it. But the video did; we'll likely find out whether there will be further punishment doled out to Artest on Thursday. The teams play Game 3 Friday in Dallas with the two-time defending champs in a precarious 0-2 hole.
Artest has been suspended for a playoff game before. In 2006, he was booted for one game in the Sacramento Kings' first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs for elbowing Manu Ginobili. The Kings lost that series 4-2.
Artest had 11 points and six rebounds in Game 2. He's shooting 5-18 in the series against Dallas. If he is forced to sit, Lamar Odom or Matt Barnes could take his place in the starting lineup.
For more on the Lakers, visit Silver Screen And Roll.
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