The Los Angeles Lakers had a number of major roster moves this offseason as they are currently on a rebuilding phase, but it seems like another signing will happen as the team is reportedly interested in adding former forward Metta World Peace.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that league sources said the Lakers are speaking to World Peace's representatives as they are looking to ink him to a one-year deal.
According to reports, Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant is in favor of bringing back his former teammate.
Reports also say that for the past two months, World Peace is working out in the Lakers' facility in El Segundo, California with the team's 2014 no. 7 pick forward Julius Randle; and the two are playing pickup basketball at the Los Angeles Clippers' practice facility.
The 35-year-old former forward played for Los Angeles from 2009–2013 and was a huge part of the team's championship-winning season in 2010.
World Peace's best year with the Lakers was in the 2012–13 season when he played in 75 games, which included 66 starts as he averaged 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per outing.
Following that season, he was amnestied by the Lakers and was later signed by the New York Knicks.
During the 2013–14 season, World Peace only played 29 games for the Knicks and was waived.
Since his departure from the National Basketball Association (NBA), World Peace continued playing professionally in China and Italy.
Before his time with the Lakers and Knicks, World Peace also had played for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and the Houston Rockets.
If World Peace makes a comeback next season, he could add depth to the small forward position for the Lakers.
He could also provide veteran leadership to a team that is filled with young talent and physicality, which was known during his time with the NBA.
