*Over the last couple of seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers have been less than stellar with their status in the NBA.
But if rumors hold up, that could change as the team considers bringing in former Laker Metta World Peace into the fold with signing him to a one-year contract. Sports World News cites a story from Yahoo Sports, which mentions that talks between World Peace’s camp and the Lakers are ongoing, despite an official deal not being made.
On the other hand, according to TMZ Sports, World Peace says he hasn’t heard from the Lakers, but if they do call, he’s definitely down to play with the team again (see video below).
World Peace, a former Chicago Bulls first-round pick, played with the Lakers from 2009-13. In the 2009-10 season, he averaged 11 points per game while helping the team win their latest NBA title. World Peace’s last season with the Lakers in 2012-13 saw him average 12.4 points.
While the Lakers’ consideration of World Peace stems from bringing more depth to the small forward position, Yahoo took note of mixed opinions from Lakers representatives regarding a reunion with the athlete. Among those supporting the move is Kobe Bryant, who is gearing up to play in what is believed to be his final season in the NBA.
Still, there are those who are cautious regarding the situation, as they believe World Peace’s best days could be behind him in light of him being 35.
Sporting World News mentioned that World Peace hasn’t played in the league since the New York Knicks waived him in the 2013-14 season. Although this was the case, the basketball veteran did play overseas with spending last season playing in China and Italy.
As it stands now, the Lakers could be on the verge of a deal with World Peace. The former NBA all-star has been working out with some of the young players on the team, including 2014 first-round pick Julius Randle, at the Lakers’ practice facility.
News of the Lakers talking to World Peace comes amid hard times for the team, which enters the upcoming 2015-16 with a franchise-worst 21-61 record from this past season and no top free agents to add since efforts in the offseason to lure these players failed.
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