UPDATE! Dreams do come true! Metta World Peace has signed to return to the Lakers!
Mitch Kupchak spoke to Sam Amick of USA Today and said this of the return of Metta World Peace:
“Nothing’s imminent in terms of a signing anytime soon, but it’s hard not to watch a guy when he’s in your gym every day going up and down the court, working with young guys, playing hard. Part of me says he can still play, so I don’t know where we’re going to end up on it. But that’s kind of where it is.”
To this, I say…
Give World Peace a chance!
I think it’s safe to assume we will see the return of Metta World Peace to the Lakers lineup this season, and probably, there are negotiations to be had on his 1-year deal, which is why this isn’t quite a lock just yet.
But bringing World Peace back is a fantastic idea for the Lakers for a few reasons…
World Peace brings a Championship pedigree and a veteran’s leadership to usher in this crop of young talent the Lakers have drafted.
For Kobe Bryant‘s leadership to be effective, he needs at least one proven star in his corner with the same drive, determination and work ethic, who can say to the youngins, “Bryant knows what he’s talking about.” During the Bryant-Gasol years, it was really Derek Fisher who was that teammate in Bryant’s camp. World Peace is cut from the same cloth, and he will have Kobe’s back, which means these new teammates are going to learn the right way to get themselves into Championship contention.
World Peace is tough, and brings an element of “crazy” the Lakers, and all teams in this league, need. They need a player who doesn’t back down from a fight. Who stands up for the guys. Who looks an opponent into his eyes, and with his look, destroys his very soul. World Peace brings an unpredictable element when he’s on the court, which is dangerous at times, entertaining at other times, and can win you games when you’re down the stretch.
World Peace may not be a starter. He may not be as effective as he was in his prime. But you’re telling me he wouldn’t be a productive asset to this squad next season?
Please.
Give World Peace a chance!