[ChipFish]

From the standpoint of the law... Artest is in trouble.
He was not protecting himself... He was retaliating.

From the standpoint of the league.... He is in bigger trouble...
He attacked several of the people that make the league money.
As well as turned off at least one fan (Anyone see the little boy crying?)

A professional sports league will not and should not tolerate a player going into the stands for any reason aside to shake hands, catch a ball, accidentally etc.
Although it may not seem fair, Professional athletes do have a higher standard to live up to.

Edit to add: Just wanted to point out that I really did love watching it!
Heard after the game "Hey I went to the basketball game and a hockey game broke out!"