Cuban is Thankful Ron Artest is on the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers made a mistake by signing Ron Artest(notes), and Artest’s presence on the team has opened up the Western Conference to other contenders, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told Dallas' ESPN 103.3, as reported by ESPNDallas.com.

"I tell you what, now that they've got Ron Artest, I couldn't think of anything better," Cuban told the radio station.

"If you would have said, what one player—and I'll get killed over this—what one player would you like to see on the Lakers? Ron Artest,” Cuban continued.

"Could you imagine? Ron Artest has got the ball, and Kobe's standing there, 'Throw me the ball.' Thank you, Ron Artest," he added.

The Mavericks' road opener is against the Lakers on Oct. 30.