Lakers' Artest shoots down trade rumors

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers swingman Ron Artest Wednesday shot down rumors he was seeking a trade, insisting he's committed to helping the team.

Artest, responding to on an online report quoting anonymous sources as saying he wanted off the Lakers, told the Los Angeles Times he had no intention of asking to be dealt before the league's Feb. 24 trading deadline.

"No. Definitely not," he told the newspaper. "I feel good every day. We've got a chance to win multiple championships here ... trying to work towards another banner."

Despite a disagreement with Lakers Coach Phil Jackson late last season over public criticism leveled at him, Artest said he was committed to helping Los Angeles win a third straight NBA championship.

"We're sticking together," he said. "We're moving forward. That's all that matters."

The rumors came after the Lakers had struggled to a 4-4 record over an eight-game span that included losses to the Boston Celtics, the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jackson told the Times he'd be surprised if Artest wanted a trade.

"I think Ron really cares about the team and his performance. … I think that Ron enjoys being in LA," Jackson said. "I think he likes the Lakers and I think he likes the action."