He’s back! Per Real GM, the Lakers have agreed to re-sign Metta World Peace for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. The former Ron Artest played for the Lakers last year after spending the 2014 and 2015 season overseas.
This is Luke Walton’s first season as a head coach, while he has learned a great deal from his time with the Warriors, a veteran presence in the locker room will be helpful to the rookie coach. If Walton brings elements of the Warriors offense to the Lakers, how will Metta fit in? Metta is 36 and at the end of his career. But his work ethic and approach to the game, from an effort perspective, is something the young Lakers can learn from.
Can Walton count on that from Metta? What other role would he have? Kobe is no longer in that locker room and the team will need a leader. Is D’Angelo Russell ready for that? Can Metta help mentor Russell and get him ready? We’ll have to wait and see.