Lakers’ forward suspended 7 games

The NBA responded to Metta World Peace’s latest outburst with a seven-game suspension that will lighten his wallet and playoff schedule.

World Peace was suspended Tuesday for striking Oklahoma City’s James Harden in the head with the back of his elbow Sunday, giving Oklahoma City’s top reserve a concussion. The suspension will keep the Lakers’ starting small forward sidelined for their first playoff series unless it goes to a Game 7.

World Peace will miss the regular-season finale on Thursday at Sacramento and the Lakers’ next six games. The playoffs open Saturday, and Los Angeles is the Western Conference’s third seed. Oklahoma City is the second seed, meaning the clubs could meet in the second round.

He will lose nearly $348,000 in salary if he serves the entire suspension this season. If the Lakers exit the playoffs in four or five games, the remainder of the suspension will be served next season.

World Peace issued a brief statement on his website, promising to follow with a podcast.

“I apologize to the Oklahoma City Thunder fans and the OKC organization,” World Peace wrote on ronartest.com. “I look foward (sic) to getting back on the floor with my teammates and competing for the Lakers fans.”

Harden wasn’t with the Thunder for Tuesday’s game against Sacramento. He will be re-evaluated Wednesday.