NBA teams have until the end of the day on Sunday to decide whether or not to keep players who are on non-guaranteed contracts for the remainder of the season, and for the Lakers those players include Thomas Robinson and Metta World Peace.
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Robinson, who was seen as a long-shot to make the roster this summer, has become a key part of the bench and has filled in admirably as an energy big while Larry Nance Jr. has been out. Over the past few games, he and Tarik Black have combined to form an entertaining duo off the bench with their hustle and physical play, earning the pair of Kansas products the nickname “The Smash Brothers”.
While Los Angeles obviously likes what they have seen from Robinson, they reportedly aren’t sure whether or not they will keep World Peace, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus:
Hearing the obvious that the Lakers are happy with Thomas Robinson at the guarantee deadline, not entirely decided on Metta World Peace…
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 7, 2017
Lakers are happy w/the role MWP has as a rostered mentor – deciding if that's worth guaranteeing rest of the season – can always waive later
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 7, 2017
There's a significant difference between a teammate and an assistant coach – as far as mentorship – Lakers evaluating that price https://t.co/GNKEsJOfnb
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 7, 2017
World Peace is a veteran presence in the locker room and has a place in the hearts of Los Angeles fans thanks to his contributions to the 2010 championship team, but his on-court role has been limited to just 13 appearances this season. As Pincus mentions, the Lakers could elect to guarantee World Peace’s salary for the remainder of the season and waive him later should they need a roster spot.
Since rejoining the Lakers last season World Peace has primarily been a veteran voice in the locker room, and while this young Lakers team certainly needs leaders, the front office will have to decide if that’s worth World Peace taking up a roster spot and not providing much on the court.