An old face will be rejoining the Los Angeles Lakers in the coming season — Metta World Peace.
Peace seems to have impressed Lakers management, particularly with the work he did on sophomore Julius Randle that the team has decided to try him out for at least the coming 2015–16 NBA season. The deal however is a non-guaranteed contract, meaning he could eventually be cut at some point if things don't turn out well.
But seeing that the Lakers are pretty much in need of a defensive stopper, Peace is likely to stay and rejoin Kobe Bryant as the Lakers try their best to make a good account for the team, which has faltered in the last two seasons.
Peace will thus be at training camp and will join hands with Kobe Bryant in mentoring the younger players, particularly Randle.
His arrival bolsters the experience and veteran presence a bit, considering the Lakers enter the 2015–16 NBA season with pretty much a young team. Aside from Randle, there is another sophomore in Jordan Clarkson plus incoming rookie D'Angelo Russell, who is touted as the best point guard of the 2015 Draft class.
New faces will also comprise the Lakers in the coming season. Roy Hibbert will man the slot; Brandon Bass will add another body to the frontline of the Lakers; while Lou Williams will be around to provide additional options for head coach Byron Scott.
The Lakers' fate could very well depend on how Kobe Bryant can blend in with the retooled Lakers squad, although they may have a tough road ahead.
With Peace however, the Lakers are expected to be tougher on the defensive end. He has been known for his hard-nosed and physical presence and such is something that Lakers expect to see, considering they were among the worst defensive teams last season.
