Lakers forward Ron Artest is thinking about donating at least half of his 2010-11 salary to benefit mental health awareness.

Artest will make $6.79 million next season.

"I'm definitely considering the whole thing," Artest said. "Or maybe 60 percent."

Artest has already decided to give away his 2010 championship ring in an online raffle to raise funds and increase awareness of mental-health issues in schools.

Artest called the salary plan "very serious. I've talked to my wife about it already. It's a powerful message. The message is about the inspiration. That's what I want, to inspire people. People will be like, 'Wow. Why is he doing this? Oh, that's why. Wow. We need to help educate.' I didn't come [to the Lakers] for the money. Obviously I could have gone somewhere else, even a lesser market. Pay less taxes. The taxes here are freaking killing me, you know what I'm saying?"