Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Kevin Ding of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER recently reported on the longest shot likely to be attempted by a Laker this season.
Ding noted from Lakers training camp on Saturday that Ron Artest is claiming he’s officially quit alcohol and marijuana for the season, if not permanently.

Ding:
Artest said he stopped drinking alcohol in January to focus on the season — and then ceased his championship celebrations, alcohol-wise, at the end of July. Artest said he “didn’t even have the stomach for it anymore” while celebrating, which included him consuming his infamous Hennessy scotch before the Lakers’ 11 a.m. championship parade.
“That’s something that paid off so much,” he said. “I’ve been drinking alcohol since I was 17 years old, 15 years old.”
Artest also volunteered something along those lines at the end of his chat with reporters Saturday: “Even if they legalize marijuana, I won’t be smoking marijuana.”
On the ballot currently in California is Proposition 19 to legalize marijuana under state law.
Later Saturday night, Artest wrote via Twitter: “are they really going to legalize marijuana? … i hope not!! … its not cool kids might think its cool.”
The same Artest last season related a story about his regular practice of drinking Hennessy at halftime when he played for the Chicago Bulls between ‘99-’02:
“I used to drink Hennessy … at halftime. I (kept it) in my locker. I’d just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it.”
He also hit the Henny the morning before the Lakers championship parade last June.
It’s great that Artest is swearing off the hard stuff, but I do fear for what was once an extremely promising rap career.