Hooped Up

It’s unclear whether Ron Artest no longer wants to be in Sacramento or if he feels unwanted. Yet with the Feb. 21 trade deadline approaching, the Kings’ small forward continues to make it clear that he sees the end in sight. Asked after Monday’s practice about first-year coach Reggie Theus and the job he’s done this season, Artest – who said last week that he didn’t see himself in the Kings’ long-term plans – said Theus and his team would be better off without him.

Sacramento Bee