Metta World Peace has the chance to end his NBA career in style.
The 16-year veteran agreed to sign a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, The Vertical’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday, citing sources. World Peace will join the Lakers for training camp and compete with Zach Auguste, Julian Jacobs and Travis Wear for a spot on their roster.
World Peace, 36, has been working out with the Lakers in recent weeks and apparently proved himself worthy of another shot with the team. He’s ready and willing to work with first-year head coach Luke Walton, also 36, who once was one of his teammates, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
The Lakers used World Peace sparingly in 35 games last season, but he impressed team officials by supporting and mentoring his younger teammates. The Lakers probably hope he has the same impact behind the scenes in 2016-17.
World Peace sat out the 2014-15 NBA season before making a surprise return to Los Angeles last summer.
He previously played four seasons with the Lakers and helped them win the NBA championship in 2010.
Although most expected World Peace to retire by now, we know to expect the unexpected from the player formerly known as Ron Artest.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
