The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to include National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Metta World Peace in its 15-man lineup as the team gear up for the coming NBA wars.
Peace, apparently, has proven his worth and will be a vital player on the defensive sets which head coach Byron Scott is expected to emphasize on. Jabari Brown was the last player to be cut from the lineup.
The 15-year NBA veteran worked his way back into shape and, apparently, impressed the Lakers management that he could still withstand the rigors of NBA ball. During the offseason, Peace was seen working his way back to shape and mentoring sophomore Julius Randle.
Peace returns to the Lakers after being cut back in the 2012–13 NBA season. He transferred to the New York Knicks after being waived but would not finish the season when he was waived in February 2014.
He has since been out of the NBA scene, having short stints in China and Italy. Among Peace's achievements include being a part of the 2010 Los Angeles Lakers basketball squad and being named as the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
While Peace has been known for his on-court antics and hard-nosed defense, he also has a decent offensive game.
Even though he is not expected to put up tons of points, Peace has the ability to energize his teammates with defense and hustle which could bode well for the young players like Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and rookie D'Angelo Russell. But at 35 years of age, it is likely that he will be playing less minutes and focus more on guiding his teammates for the coming season.
Peace will be receiving $1.5 million dollars for his one-year contract and will most likely end up being among the Lakers' brain thrust in the long run.
