Even though he doesn’t have a contract finalized, Lakers forward Ron Artest declared his intention to play for the British Basketball League’s Cheshire Jets.

“I’m definitely going to play for the Jets,” Artest said in a phone interview Thursday night. “I’m definitely going to play for the Jets.”

That brings near closure to a series of negotiations that Artest said lasted for two months and expects to finalize soon.

Also consider how Artest’s plan to play overseas originated: “It all came from Twitter. I looked to see where I can play at. I had Glasgow Rocks [of the British Basketball League], they were Twittering me. Then I had the Jets. I just thought it was cool that this professional team is trying to get me. I thought it was fun and cool to experience. The opportunity for me seemed fun in getting the chance to play in the U.K. and entertain the fans.”

Artest said he isn’t concerned that this could be a distraction, arguing, “I’m going first and foremost to the U.K. to play for the Jets.”

via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times