Ron Artest was honored by Las Vegas on Tuesday night with a key to the city.

Artest received the honor in recognition of his work with Xcel University and efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Oct. 12 was officially named "Ron Artest Day," and the ceremony was conducted by Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Wolfson at the Mirage Hotel.

"I've been doing a lot of charity things, and I think they kind of like it," Artest explained. "I was totally surprised. I heard something about it a couple of months ago and I was trying to give it to [Derek Fisher]. Fish could take my place or Kobe [Bryant] or somebody.

"That's what comes with winning and doing good things and being a Laker."