Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest, right, has words for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during Game 2 of a second-round playoff series May 2 in Los Angeles. Artest is joining Bryant and the Lakers. David Bauman, Artest's agent, told The Associated Press the forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out, but could be finished as early as Thursday night.