HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza, offering the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.
Ariza is coming to Houston just as Ron Artest decided to leave and play for the Lakers. Ariza is likely to take Artest's spot in the Rockets' starting lineup.
The 6-foot-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA championship.
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Artest said in a statement issued by his agent last night that he's very excited to finally be going to L.A. He also said the Lakers, quote, "really made me feel wanted."
ESPN.com reported that Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million.
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot.
The playing future of the 7-foot-6 Yao is in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career.
"It hasn't been decided yet," Yao's agent, Eric Zhang, told The Associated Press on Friday. "He is still in the process of group consultations of doctors holding different opinions and different plans. The result of the consultations is due within a week."
Before that there is no way of telling whether surgery will be performed, Zhang said.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT