Appearing via phone on the Stephen A. Smith show on ESPN Radio 1050 in New York, Ron Artest said: "I'm not retiring."

Citing club sources, ESPN.com's Marc Stein first reported that Artest wanted to retire at season's end.

Artest said he told teammates he was thinking of retirement because he missed his kids, but he never thought those comments would make it to the public.

"I'm totally dedicated to this game," Artest said. "I'm totally ready to still try to make these playoffs.

"I don't plan to retire," Artest said. "When you don't have your kids around you can get a little bit vulnerable, a little weak."

Via ESPN

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