Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has his sights set on playing for the British Basketball League’s Cheshire Jets during the NBA lockout.
 
It’s not about the money for Artest. It’s about the music.
 
The Jets are apparently going to help Artest promote his music and movie interests in the United Kingdom while playing. That’s the tradeoff because the Jets can only afford to pay Artest $1,500 to $2,500 per month playing basketball.
 
Artest would join a long line of NBA players, including his teammate Kobe Bryant, in considering overseas playing opportunities during the lockout.
 
"I'm definitely going to play for the Jets,” Artest told the Los Angeles Times Thursday night. "I'm definitely going to play for the Jets."
 
ESPN.com, citing sources, said the Jets are looking into getting Artest a role on a British soap opera while he is there. That sounds right up Artest’s alley.
 
"I went on Jimmy Kimmel in my underwear, so, of course I would do a soap opera," Artest said to the Times. "Hands down. When they told me I had the opportunity and asked if I wanted to do a soap opera, I said, 'Of course, man.' I'm not going to run away. When I was a kid, I wanted to be on TV. Why would I run away from being on TV?"
 
Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris