The Los Angeles Lakers, amazingly, are said to be close to bringing back Metta World Peace into the fold on a one-year deal.
Yahoo Sources: Metta World Peace has begun to work out daily at Lakers’ facility, inching closer to a return to franchise on one-year deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) September 9, 2015
I'm told Metta has trained at Lakers' facility regularly since July. B. Scott has noted Metta worked out at facility earlier this year too
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 9, 2015
MWP, 35, was an integral part of the Lakers’ 2010 championship squad and is reportedly seen as a viable option at the forward spot.
The veteran has also been working out with Julius Randle this summer.
Per Yahoo! Sports:
World Peace, 35, started participating in informal workouts with Lakers players this week at the team’s facility in El Segundo, Calif., and is expected to continue through the start of Lakers training camp later this month, league sources said. No deal has been agreed upon, but there’s an increasing expectation that will happen this month, league sources said.
World Peace has been out of the NBA since the New York Knicks waived him during the 2013-14 season. He played last season in China and Italy. Lakers officials are growing in the belief that World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, has evolved into a mature veteran who can impact a young roster with his toughness and resolve, league sources said.
In 15 NBA seasons, World Peace has averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds. He had stops with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Lakers and Knicks.