NBA: Artest says he drank during games while with Bulls

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has said that he drank alcohol during games when he was a member of the Chicago Bulls.

"I used to drink Hennessy at halftime," Artest said in an interview with Sporting News. "I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it."

Artest also said that he was a "head case" when he broke into the NBA with the Bulls, for whom he played from 1999-2002.

The 30-year-old Artest said in the interview that the drinking happened in part because the Bulls lost so often.

Artest is now in his first year with the Lakers. In the interview, Artest commented on accepting a role in Kobe Bryant's supporting cast.

"It's weird because people don't think about the whole basketball game," Artest said. "There's offense: Kobe averages 30 and is a great offensive player. Then you have defense. So on defense, now I have my supporting cast. ... I'm one of the best defenders to ever play basketball, so I'm still the first option on defense."