Ron Artest Contract With Cheshire Jets Of British League Held Up By Insurance Concerns

Perhaps Ron Artest won't be taking his talents to the British Basketball League during the NBA lockout after all. Artest's agent David Bauman tells Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times that Artest's deal has been held up because the Cheshire Jets have yet to offer Artest an insurance package. If it is not offered, Artest would not join the British team.

"It's still on the table," Bauman said Tuesday in a phone interview. "But again, this insurance thing is a significant and a serious obstacle for any of the NBA players."

Last week, Jets director Pete Hawkins told the Cheshire Chronicle that the team is working on the insurance issue and continues to talk with Artest's camp about it. Artest has three years remaining on his contract with the Lakers. He had postponed his trip to meet with the team over this very issue.

For more on Artest and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles.