Metta World Peace played his best basketball during his Indiana Pacers days when he went by the name of Ron Artest. With the Pacers, Artest was an All-Star player and was the NBA’s best perimeter defender. The Pacers always had Artest guard the opponents’ best player and he did a great job using his strength and skill to limit the opposition. And unlike in recent years, Artest shot the ball well and poised a threat whenever he was on the court. However, the “Malice at the Palace” essentially ended his career in Indiana and sent Artest into a whirlwind of trouble.
Ever since then, Artest has lost his offensive touch and his defensive skills aren’t as sharp as they used to be. Opponents are able to beat Artest off the dribble and his shooting abilities have dwindled down. In addition, World Peace (Artest) has been out of shape and not in the best condition while on the court.
However, World Peace made major strides in the 2011-12 to get back to his former state. He became a reliable player for the Lakers as the season came to an end and it looks like he will be even better come training camp. If you ask World Peace, he isn’t trying to become the Ron Artest of old, he wants to become the best player in the NBA, says Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times.
World Peace paused a few seconds before blurting out, “Wow,” World Peace said. “Just to be one of the best again.”
The best on defense?
“No,” World Peace answered. “The best in the league.”
The Lakers can surely use an effective World Peace as he adds another dimension to the squad. The Lakers already have an amazing starting five and the only true question mark is at the small forward position.
World Peace has the ability to defend top players and the Lakers need him to limit the opponents’ best scorers. The league is getting more and more athletic players and the Lakers need someone to stop them. With young stars emerging nearly every season, World Peace could be Los Angeles’ key to success.
