Today in Sports History: July 2

In 2009, Ron Artest signed a three-year $18 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest chose to wear jersey number 37 in honor of the number of weeks Michael Jackson’s song Thriller was a chart topper. Artest is known as one of the NBA’s most formidable defenders and played for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Houston Rockets before signing with the Lakers. He won All-Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and was selected the the NBA All-Defensive Team twice. In addition to his skill on the court, Arrest is known for his occasional brawls and outspoken personality. Artest later changed his name to Betta World Peace and went on to win a  championship with the Lakers in 2010. He was traded to the New York Knicks in 2013 and spent two seasons overseas before finishing his career with the Lakers in 2017.