Lakers ready to give World Peace a chance.
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Metta World Peace has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, extending his second stint at the club following his return to the franchise last season, the veteran forward said Wednesday.
The 36-year-old, who played 35 games for the Lakers in 2015-2016 after returning from spells in China and Italy, told ESPN he hoped to help mentor younger teammates in the upcoming season.
“I’m excited about everything. I’m prepared to help the young guys grow. To play, everything,’’ World Peace told the network.
World Peace – formerly known as Ron Artest – will be reunited with former teammate Luke Walton this season.
Walton, who played alongside World Peace during the Lakers’ NBA finals winning team in 2010, has been hired as head coach after the franchise’s 17-65 season last year.
World Peace has enjoyed a nomadic career throughout the NBA, with spells at the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks as well as the Lakers.
He missed a record 86 games through suspension during the 2004-2005 season.