As expected, it appears the Los Angeles Lakers have no intention of bringing back veteran forward Metta World Peace for another season.
On Thursday, World Peace went through his exit interview with Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka and was informed that he likely won’t be bring back for the 2017-18 NBA season, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Metta World Peace just said Magic Johnson told him they’re probably not going to bring him back next year.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 13, 2017
When the Lakers faced the visiting New Orleans Pelicans at the Staples Center on Tuesday night, it was World Peace’s time to shine. Head coach Luke Walton inserted him into the starting lineup and played him 25 minutes. Walton and company knew it was likely Metta’s last game in front of the Lakers faithful in Los Angeles and gave him every opportunity to take advantage of his finale at Staples.
World Peace finished with a season-high 18 points while helping the Lakers win a fifth straight game. Metta received cheers every time he touched the ball much like another Lakers legend almost a year prior in the same arena.
As for Metta’s next step in his basketball journey, the one-time NBA champion remains undecided about his future. World Peace isn’t sure if he’ll go back overseas or finally try to break into coaching, via Winters:
Understandably, Metta World peace sounds uncertain about his future. Isn’t sure if he’ll explore overseas opportunities, try coaching, etc
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 13, 2017
Regardless of what World Peace decides to do from here on out, he’s clearly made an impact in Los Angeles as a fan favorite and one of the key members of the team’s last championship run in 2010.