Lakers forward Ron Artest has a concussion; will miss tonight’s game
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Lakers forward Ron Artest has been diagnosed with a concussion and will miss tonight’s game against the Sacramento Kings after tripping over a box and falling down a set of stairs at home Friday night, according to a team statement.
Artest is listed as day to day by the team and will continue to see a neurologist on a daily basis. After tonight, the Lakers’ next game is Monday at Phoenix.
Artest was treated at the UCLA Medical Center emergency room Friday night and released after undergoing a series of tests, including a CT scan. He received stitches on the back of his head and also injured his elbow.
The concussion was diagnosed today by a Los Angeles neurologist. Artest did not accompany the team to Sacramento this morning.
“I think he’s feeling OK,” said his agent, David Bauman. “He had a little bit of a scare last night. He said he tripped over a box or something like that. It was an hour after the game. He just needed some stitches. If they had any concern at all, they would have kept him overnight. Assuming all is OK, they’ll probably pop him on a plane tomorrow and he’ll make it to Phoenix.”
A hospital spokesman declined to comment, citing patient privacy laws.
Artest, 30, is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in his first season with the Lakers. He will likely be replaced by Lamar Odom or Josh Powell in the starting lineup.
-- Mike Bresnahan
