Ron Artest [The Great Defender]

By: Julian Chavez | December 21, 2009 | Ten by Ten

Sporting No. 37 in honor of the number of weeks Michael Jackson’s hit album Thriller stayed on the charts, L.A. newest Laker Ron Artest, who was traded to the team in July, grew up in Queens, N.Y., and went to college at St. John’s University before being drafted by the NBA in 1999. He is known for his shutdown defense, work ethic and eccentric attitude, along with some of the most creative haircuts on the hardwood.

What is the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
The most important lesson I’ve ever learned is to keep God first. Every time I put God second, things in my life that I’ve wanted to happen — even though I had good intentions — don’t really happen. Everything is on God’s time, not our time.

Who is your favorite contemporary artist and why?
My favorite contemporary artist is Dido. I love her first album No Angel. People in my demographic probably never heard the album because they don’t know what she is about. She is the girl who sang “Thank you,” which was sampled on Eminem’s song “Stan.” Her first album is beautiful.

What characteristics constitute intelligence?
I think intelligence is making the right decisions, always taking a breath and breathing before you make the wrong decision. You always should give yourself time to reflect before you make important decisions, so you can be certain that the decisions you are making are really right for you.

How would you describe the current state of American politics?
Right now, I think the current state of American politics doesn’t favor the youth. I think the youth are being misguided; a lot of them don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong, and I think we are in a tug of war culturally in terms of teaching youth the truth.

What do you think is the biggest threat to world peace?
The biggest threat to world peace is money. Everybody is trying to get money, and no one is really thinking about the youth and what the future holds for them. With pollution, the state of the economy and the deficit we are leaving future generations, I think people are too focused on making as much money as they can and aren’t thinking about the long-term consequences of polluting and destroying our planet.

What is your definition of success?
The definition of success is happiness. As long as you are happy, you are successful.

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
My greatest professional achievement is becoming a Los Angeles Laker. Coming from the Queensbridge Projects in New York City and then becoming a Laker — I’m really happy about that.

Which five people do you most admire and why?
Nelson Mandela: He is a great person and fought to bring about multiracial elections in South Africa. He has also been an advocate for so many social and human rights organizations.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: because of what he has done for the world, not just black people. He has brought so many people together and helped facilitate peace between the races.

Michael Jackson: He, too, has brought so many people together. With songs like “Heal The World” and “Man in the Mirror,” he sang about topics that really mean something to everyone, regardless of race or religion.

John F. Kennedy: He really tried to be a fair president and bring about equality and social justice.

Abraham Lincoln: He freed the slaves.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I receive is from my wife. She always gives me good advice on every aspect of my life. I always listen to what she has to say and what she thinks, because most of the time she is right. Her advice varies depending on what the topic or situation is, but she is almost always right.

How would you define love?
I have been with my wife since I was 14 years old — more than 15 years and before my NBA days — so I’d say that love is something that can withstand time, circumstances, extreme difficulties and also extreme successes. Love endures all.

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