They were at each other’s throat during the last playoffs, but word on the street is that Ron Ron has picked up his bags and moved to L.A. to become Kobe’s bodyguard. An inside source with knowledge of the deal said there’s no way in the world Ron is re-signing with the Rockets.

From the Houston Chronicle:

The person familiar with Artest’s decision-making said Artest has not settled on an offer, but there were indications that Artest could agree to a Lakers’ deal as early as Thursday night.

From the horse’s mouth:

“I’m definitely going to L.A. — to sign, yeah,” Artest said in a phone interview. “Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I’m in L.A. right now.”

If L.A. doesn’t work out, Ron can always try to rekindle his little rap career there.