The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Dallas Mavericks 109-97 in what can be described as a trap game. An awful start to the second half doomed the Lakers, as it turned into both teams trading baskets towards the end of the Lakers three-game winning streak.
The game between the two Western Conference foes was also a reunion of sorts, as forward Metta World Peace was reunited with his former head coach, Rick Carlisle. The duo was together with the Indiana Pacers from 2001 all the way to the 2006 season.
Carlisle was there for World Peace during the aftermath of the brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills, which may have very well been the Pacers’ best team during his tenure.
The head coach of the Mavericks was doing a press conference before their matchup against the Lakers, praising the development of the young core of the Lakers. However, Carlisle was promptly interrupted by none other than World Peace.
World Peace told the reporters to respect Carlisle and the genius philosophy he has brought to the game. As one of the most respected coaches in the NBA, Carlisle was awarded the 2002 NBA Coach of the Year Award, while with the Pacers.
Carlisle hinted that World Peace has always pondered a possible future in coaching, stating they will discuss the possibility when the time comes, via Mark Medina of the O.C. Register:
“We’ll have a meeting. We’ll see when that happens,” Carlisle said. “In the meantime, (the Lakers) have him here for a reason. He’s setting a great example.”
The coach stated that he and World Peace are in communication about every two months or so, with World Peace constantly sparking some interest in a potential future involving coaching.
When the two were together during their days with the Pacers, the former Ron Artest would ask constant questions regarding the playbook and coaching philosophies.
Carlisle was asked if World Peace would have an immediate future in coaching and stated that World Peace is still enjoying the fun side of playing in the NBA:
“He keeps informing me that he’s in too great of shape and having too much fun to give it up right now,” Carlisle said. “You have to respect that.”
The 17-year NBA veteran has fully encompassed the mentor role with the young core of the Lakers, with the roster constantly respecting and appreciating what the former Defensive Player of the Year has to say.
The roster has taken on World Peace’s recent “I love basketball” yell, which they now use to break their huddles during games and practices.
The New York native appeared in two minutes in the fourth quarter on Tuesday. While the veteran doesn’t anticipate much playing time this season, he will continue to bring that intensity that has defined his lengthy journey.
