The Kings' rookies and second-year players gathered around Ron Artest on Tuesday, having one more task to complete after their nearly three-hour practice finally ended. The veteran small forward was turning 28, and an off-key version of "Happy Birthday" was in order.

But the true celebration comes today for Artest and the Kings, as they finally regain the services of the player who many believe is due for a phenomenal season and who has much at stake personally and professionally. Artest, who will play against Minnesota after serving the seven-game suspension related to his May 3 no contest plea to domestic violence, has plenty of motivation.

Playing at a high level helps Artest for all the obvious reasons but also because it's a contract year. He has an early contract termination option that, if exercised, would make him a free agent next summer. His value on all fronts ? as trade bait or on the free-agent market ? rises in accordance with his effectiveness. Which says nothing of the fact that ? basketball business aside ? the eighth-year player is eternally obsessed with winning and his role in ensuring it takes place.