The Los Angeles Lakers brought Metta World Peace back into the fold this season on a one-year deal, hoping he’d provide leadership and guidance to younger players.
MWP hasn’t played much, but by all accounts, he’s been a positive influence despite the team’s abhorrent (3-17) showing so far.
Metta, 36, says he’s ready to transition into coaching once his playing days are over.
Per the LA Daily News:
Metta World Peace’s recent order at a vegan restaurant partly explained both the Lakers’ 36-year-old forward’s peak conditioning and positive locker-room influence despite a trying 2015-16 season. But in between bites, World Peace sounded just as passionate about another pursuit that could define his continuous evolution from an erratic NBA star toward one of the Lakers’ most cherished leaders. […] “I want to coach one day,” World Peace said. “I definitely have an interest in coaching.”
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant: “He’d be a good coach. He’s extremely intelligent and communicates very well and is not afraid to hold guys accountable.” […] Lakers coach Byron Scott: “With his work ethic and the way he relates to guys, he could be a coach.” […] Dallas coach Rick Carlisle: “He’ll be an excellent coach. He has an unbelievable passion for the game. Ronnie’s a guy that loves helping people.”
“I’m a goofball. I’m always going to be that. I’m not going to change. If I got a head coaching job, I’m going to continue to laugh and have fun,” World Peace said. “People can never question how hard I work. That’s all I care about. That’s why I feel okay coming to the locker room after every game, enjoying my teammates and enjoying the media. I know when I’m out there, I know for a fact I’m giving 100 percent.”
