If you were one of the people who bought into the rumors indicating that the Los Angeles Lakers would use their amnesty clause on Kobe Bryant, you were unfortunately wrong. According to reports, the team decided to use the clause on veteran forward Metta World Peace (AKA Ron Artest) instead.
If the Lakers wouldn’t have waived World Peace, they would have been forced to pay him $7.7 million next season on an expiring contract. Although he is still a very good player, especially on defense, the 33-year-old is limited and likely had no future in Los Angeles.
Last season with the Lakers, World Peace averaged 12 points, five rebounds and two steals per game. Those are decent numbers, but Los Angeles probably feels like they don’t need him because they don’t have much chance at a championship this season anyways.
This move could definitely add to the rumors that the Lakers may be considering tanking this season for a high draft pick in next season’s NBA draft with Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. In addition, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony will be available through free agency after the upcoming NBA season.
As for World Peace, he will have no problem finding a new home in the NBA. He is a great defensive player and he is one of the few defensive stars capable of intimidating opponents. However, he does not fit with a young team trying to rebuild. He will likely sign with an older team that is trying to make a run at a championship.
World Peace would be great fits with the Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs or even the Miami Heat.
Then again, World Peace is the type of guy who loves media attention and he is known for giving a stupid quote every now and then. He will have to land with a team that is willing to put up with that sort of personality.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
World Peace Let Go By Lakers?
If you were one of the people who bought into the rumors indicating that the Los Angeles Lakers would use their amnesty clause on Kobe Bryant, you were unfortunately wrong. According to reports, the team decided to use the clause on veteran forward Metta World Peace (AKA Ron Artest) instead.
If the Lakers wouldn’t have waived World Peace, they would have been forced to pay him $7.7 million next season on an expiring contract. Although he is still a very good player, especially on defense, the 33-year-old is limited and likely had no future in Los Angeles.
Last season with the Lakers, World Peace averaged 12 points, five rebounds and two steals per game. Those are decent numbers, but Los Angeles probably feels like they don’t need him because they don’t have much chance at a championship this season anyways.
This move could definitely add to the rumors that the Lakers may be considering tanking this season for a high draft pick in next season’s NBA draft with Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. In addition, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony will be available through free agency after the upcoming NBA season.
As for World Peace, he will have no problem finding a new home in the NBA. He is a great defensive player and he is one of the few defensive stars capable of intimidating opponents. However, he does not fit with a young team trying to rebuild. He will likely sign with an older team that is trying to make a run at a championship.
World Peace would be great fits with the Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs or even the Miami Heat.
Then again, World Peace is the type of guy who loves media attention and he is known for giving a stupid quote every now and then. He will have to land with a team that is willing to put up with that sort of personality.
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