Online sports betting players are just dying to see how Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest interact as teammates after so many battles in opposite uniforms, but Artest is trying to take some of the attention off the Lakers’ superstar with some recent words. However, it may not have been the best choice of words.

Artest came out and told the media that he wanted the blame if the Lakers don’t repeat as NBA champions. Now, that’s a bold statement. Granted, the Lakers are sure to be at the top, or at least near the top, of the list of favorites in your offshore sportsbook, but that’s a huge burden to have on you. Shoot, ask Tracy McGrady:

Because the pressure can make you go:

Now granted, Artest is much tougher than McGrady, his former Houston teammate, but maybe he should just get used to running the triangle before he goes making statements like this. Then again, that’s why we love Ron Ron, isn’t it?

Crazy Ron Artest or not, still, the Lakers will be one of the most popular sports picks of the fall.

Word filtered down that Anderson Varejao has signed a six-year deal with Cleveland, reported to be around $42.5 million, with incentives to push it over $50 million. Shoot, I’m in the business of making sports picks, I should probably stretch myself out and grow stupid hair, right?

Now, Sideshow Bob is one of those dudes that you love him if he’s on your team, and hate him when he’s not. But he had amazing career highs of 8.6 points and 7.2 assists last year, and you pay $7 mil a year for that? Everyone says, “oh, he does stuff that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet”, and that’s all fine and good. But it Anderson Varejao really improving Cleveland’s betting odds this year. More importantly, if they had let him walk, how much better would another team be without him?

What he needs to do is take some of that money, and put it on UFC betting underdog Frank Mir on Saturday, spread some of that luck around. It’s either luck, or his agent game is tight.

NBA betting players will feel a bit better knowing that the owners of the league are in tough times as well. A report has trickled down that the NBA plans to borrow $175 million, and $11.66 million of that will go to 15 teams that are struggling with money troubles.

Sounds like karma for someone giving Steve Francis $19.8 million to do essentially nothing. Don’t get me started on Jermaine O’Neal’s $21.4 million, and you all know how I feel about Starbury. But at least he’s only getting the league minimum when he goes to Boston. I’m not saying give the players less, I’m saying evaluate better who deserves it. If these guys are making that, then don’t be surprised when LeBron James asks for half of your city in 2010.

Super Bowl XLIII betting is all the rage right now, and the NBA seems to be taking some pointers from the NFL in terms of advertising their game. David Stern, listen up: BOOZE SELLS! Remember this dandy that debuted on Monday Night Football in 1999?

Now, the NBA is allowing alcoholic companies to advertise at courtside, and this is a brilliant move. It will generate more money for its teams, which is crucial in this slumping economy, and it shows the NBA is willing to be more progressive in its thinking. You never know: NBA All-Star Game betting props for commercials can, possibly, someday rival Super Bowl betting for NFL commercials.

…LeBron James?

Roy’s first love is basketball, but he’s a fan of all sports, so you can guarantee that I’ll be getting in on some Super Bowl XLIII betting action. This commercial ties it all in together quite nicely.

Wow. LeBron would put the Browns in the Super Bowl betting conversation instantly, and I’m willing to bet that he’d drop less passes than Braylon Edwards.