Lakers ready to give World Peace a chance for a year, again
Metta World Peace has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, extending his second stint at the club following his return to the franchise last season, the veteran forward said Wednesday.
The 36-year-old, who played 35 games for the Lakers in 2015-2016afterreturningfrom spells in China and Italy, told ESPNhehopedtohelpmentor younger teammates in the upcoming season.
“I’m excited about everything. I’m prepared to help the young guys grow. To play, everything,” World Peace told the network.
World Peace — formerly known as Ron Artest — will be reunited with former teammate Luke Walton this season.
Walton, who played alongside World Peace during the Lakers’ NBA finals winning team in 2010, has been hired as head after the franchise’s season last year.
World Peace has enjoyed a nomadic career throughout the NBA, with spells at the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks as well as the Lakers.
He missed a record 86 games through suspension during the 2004-2005 season after climbing into the stands to brawl with fans during a coach 17-65 Pacers-Detroit Pistons games.
Meanwhile, the Lakers announced on Wednesday that they have signed veteran forward Thomas Robinson.
Robinson played for five teamsinhisfirstfourNBAseasons, averaging 4.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game over hiscareer.Hespentlastseason with Brooklyn, starting seven games in 71 appearances.
Robinson was the fifth overall pick in the 2012 draft by Sacramento. He also has played for Houston, Portland and Philadelphia.
The Lakers have 19 players on their training camp roster. They will spend next week in Santa Barbara, California, for their first camp under new coach Luke Walton.
Los Angeles is returning from the worst season in franchise history and the retirement of Kobe Bryant.
Garnett buyout
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Timberwolves are working on a buyout with Kevin Garnett.
The two sides have been engaged in talks for some time. When completed, the deal will assure that Garnett will not return to the Wolves’ roster next season. The person spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because a deal has not been completed.
The 40-year-old Garnett is under contract for $8 million next season. The buyout talks were first reported by ESPN.
Garnett returned to the Timberwolves at the trade deadline in 2014. He has served as a valuable mentor to a young roster but has struggled to stay on the court due to recurring knee problems.
Garnett played 38 games last season, averaging 3.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 14.6 minutes.