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Former Champion Reveals What It Would Take for Him to Join the Lakers

Published 10/19/2021, 11:50 AM EDT

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After a season of utter disappointment with a first-round exit in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers are back to catapult themselves to the very top of the chain in the NBA. With a star-studded duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Purple and Gold have only added to their star power and experience.

Adding a former MVP in Russell Westbrook and veterans like Carmelo Anthony, the Lakers now have some much needed shot-makers in their squad. But all of these moves have come at a cost as the team lost out on some premier defenders from the lineup.

Be it the dynamic rotational guard Alex Caruso or the ever evolving forward Kyle Kuzma who was becoming a decent 3&D prospect, the Lakers’ now have a mix of veterans who might not be that effective in defense.

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Former Lakers’ veteran open to a return

The Lakers might have seen some of the flashiest players like Magic Johnson in their roster, but they also have had some great defensive anchors in their incredible journey. One of them was Ron Artest a.k.a Metta World Peace.

With a championship to his name and one of the most clutch shots in recent history, Artest truly is a fan favorite. Given that the Lakers might still be eager to make moves, MWP in a recent interview revealed what it would take for him to join the Lakers.

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In an interview with NBA insider Scoop B Robinson, Artest said, “If they say we’re going to sign you for two years and here’s the contract, then I’ll just start from there and get in shape and I’ll just start preparing for it….. I wouldn’t want to come back & be half good.”

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Starting off with the Bulls, Artest really made his name with the Pacers. A player who could guard multiple positions and score crucial buckets, Artest was a great addition. But the signing did come with caveats, as Artest constantly had off the court issues.

Despite all of that, a signing like the 1-time champion would add value to any team. But considering he has been away from basketball this long, it is highly unlikely that he would get meaningful minutes.

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What do you think about Metta World Peace? Should the Lakers’ sign the former veteran? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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