I still struggle with calling him anything but Ron Artest but Metta World Peace aka “The Panda’s Friend” is back in the NBA and wearing the purple & gold of the Los Angeles Lakers. Obviously he is far removed from the player he was at his peak but with the Lakers being terrible he may still be able to help out, especially in the locker room.
@IamJoeSports
World Peace signed his contract Thursday, and take a physical to formalize the agreement on Friday, league sources said.
“I’m excited for Metta to be rejoining the Lakers in this next chapter in his career,” agent David Bauman told Yahoo Sports. “Metta is looking forward to working with Kobe and the young players to help the Lakers now and in the future. Los Angeles and the Lakers have always held a special place in Metta’s heart.”
The contract is non-guaranteed but that will change once he technically makes the roster, which he is expected to do.
World Peace, 35, has been participating in informal workouts with the Lakers throughout the summer, and has impressed the organization with his connection to the younger players, especially 2014 No. 7 overall pick Julius Randle.
World Peace has been out of the NBA since the New York Knicks waived him during the 2013-14 season. He played last season in China and Italy.
