Artest's Ejection, Likely Suspension Microcosm of Lakers' Troubles in Mavericks Series

COMMENTARY | Ron Artest will likely be suspended by the NBA for what took place in Game 2 of the Lakers vs. Mavs series. Artest got violent with just 24 seconds left in the game, grabbing Mavericks guard Jose Juan Barea by the face in what turned into a clothesline hit.

This was the second altercation the Lakers forward had been involved in Wednesday; earlier in the game he received a technical foul for an elbow he threw at Tyson Chandler. The hit on Barea led to his ejection, and just added to the misery that Lakers fans experienced last night.

Following the loss to the Mavericks, ESPN reported on comments Lakers coach Phil Jackson made. Jackson said that the foul by Artest was "uncalled for" and noted, "There's a good chance he'll be suspended. I hope not."

Not only is Jackson correct in his assessment of that play, the game had already been decided at the point of the foul. The Mavericks were just bringing the ball up court to run out the clock, and it is likely that the Lakers wouldn't have even fouled to stop the clock. The foul had no place in the game, and that could weigh heavily in how the league investigates the incident.

That play by Artest was a microcosm of what the Lakers are experiencing after getting beaten by the Mavericks in the first two games of the series. With home court advantage, Los Angeles was supposed to be able to win these games, and, in a worst-case scenario, at least win one of them.

Instead, the series shifts to Dallas, where the Mavs have a chance to close it out in front of their home crowd. This is about as exciting as it can get for Mavs owner Mark Cuban, who has been working hard to get a roster that would take his franchise back to the NBA Finals. Those who watched the 93-81 drubbing of the Lakers Wednesday night witnessed his post-game celebration as well.

The league will have to finish its investigation of the incident before weighing in with an opinion, so there is still a chance that Artest could escape without a suspension. What the NBA needs to do, though, is send another message that this type of behavior is not acceptable on the basketball court. Everyone knows that Artest is the "enforcer" for the Lakers on defense, but both of his fouls in Game 2 were unacceptable and warrant a suspension.

Game 3 of the series will take place Friday, so a response from the league should be coming out shortly.