Thunder: OKC’s just not that into you, Ron

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22: James Harden #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder lies on the floor after being hit by Metta World Peace #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers as referees separate Thunder and Lakers players at Staples Center on April 22, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

I know Ron Artest holds himself in pretty high regard.

I mean, the guy wore a shirt with his own name on it when he went on The Conan O’Brien Show last week.

(Then again, it was his “new name”, Metta World Peace. Maybe he just has a hard time remembering it.)

But I think ol’ Ron might need a little reality check. Prior to Game 7 in the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Nuggets, he was talking to Los Angeles Times reporter Mike Bresnahan  in the locker room. Bresnahan asked Artest what he thought the reception from Thunder fans would be like after Artest’s vicious elbowing of James Harden.

Among Artest’s comments: “People can say what they want, but that’s going to the most entertainment Oklahoma City has had since they’ve been Oklahoma City.”

Puh-lease.

A decent but not fantastic NBA player coming to town is supposed to be the most entertaining thing that this city has seen in a hundred-plus years?

Yeah, I’m not buying it.

Sure, Thunder fans are going to boo Artest like no opposing player has ever been booed at The Peake. Some have suggested other outlets for the outrage after Artest tried to permanently implant his elbow in the side Harden’s head the last time these two teams played. Our man John Rohde has advocated silence, an idea that I love. A reader named Pam Klepper has suggested that every fan flash the peace sign when Artest is introduced.