With the Lakers acquiring Dwight Howard and Steve Nash this summer, one player in particular took a backseat to all the hype and anticipation surrounding the team’s newest superstars. Metta World Peace was once the talk of the town in terms of being arguably the most entertaining player on and off the floor, but with Nash and Howard coming to town the man formerly known as Ron Artest has some competition.
Heading into the off-season, World Peace’s job security was in serious question with the Lakers supposedly trying to save money and looking for any way to do it. Apparently, using the amnesty clause on World Peace was a viable option for the Lakers and something that was getting consideration.
Fortunately, the Lakers decided not to amnesty World Peace and as a result will keep him in Los Angeles for at least one more season. Now that World Peace will be on the roster with a potential perennial NBA title contender the former Defensive Player of the Year is apparently making the best of his time by improving all facets of his game according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times via Twitter:
Unlike last year, I hear very good things about Metta World Peace. He’s in shape, lost weight and…surprise!…working a lot on his shot.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) August 28, 2012
With so many different weapons added to the team for the upcoming 2012-13 NBA season, World Peace will have his fair share of open looks from the perimeter. Even though World Peace hasn’t been the best shooter during his time with the Lakers, the fiery forward will have his opportunity to shine next season and prove his worth to the team with opposing defenses focusing on Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Nash and Howard.
______________________________________________________________________________________
In case you missed it – Dwight Howard’s introductory press conference with the Lakers!
______________________________________________________________________________________