LA Laker Ron Artest Keeps Busy During NBA Lockout By Doing Standup Comedy [VIDEO]

Ron Artest -- funnyman?

The Los Angeles Lakers star may be thinking about life after hoops because he performed a standup act last week at Caroline's comedy club in New York City.

Artest, who made waves recently when he announced his decision to change his name to Metta World Peace, said he's keeping busy during the NBA lockout by taking his act to the stage.

Artest said, "I was going to go overseas and keep it going [with basketball] and get a check, but the comedy shows are paying [as much as I would earn playing] overseas, so I can just stay over here and do comedy shows."

Wow, Artest sure has come a long way since his role in the infamous 2004 brawl in Detroit when he was with the Indiana Pacers. But, then again, what do you expect for this season's winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which is given out each year to the NBA player in recognition of their work for the community.

Is Artest funny? Or should he save his energy for the court? Watch below and decide for yourself.

[SI.com]