Metta World Peace, also known as Ron Artest, recalled his last game and the day of his retirement at the ‘I am Athlete’ podcast. Metta World Peace was an integral part of the Los Angeles Lakers championship runs between 2009-13. He played a crucial role in the 2010 NBA championship with the Lakers. In the podcast, Metta recollected how he was inebriated when he met Lakers legend Magic Johnson after his final game against the Golden State Warriors.

Artest had quite a colorful career. He was part of Kobe’s fifth championship ring and made clutch baskets when the shot clock was ticking. The Malice at the Palace was one of the darkest times of his career. He played for 18 seasons in the NBA and had a glorious career; the drunk Magic Johnson encounter may be one of the wildest experiences any NBA player has ever had. 

It was recently reported that Ron Artest would take breaks to drink alcohol in the middle of NBA games. This was during his time at the Chicago Bulls. Artest told his former teammate Swaggy P about enjoying his final stint with the young Lakers. He would party with youngsters like D’Angelo Russel and Jordan Clarkson. On the night of his last NBA match, Metta World Peace got so drunk that he could not be in his senses when he met Magic Johnson and Luke Walton. 

Metta World Peace was a part of Los Angeles Lakers again for his last two NBA seasons. He played less than 70 games in the two seasons and had mostly a losing record.

Ron Artest recalls his last encounter with Magic Johnson as a Los Angeles Laker

In episode 40 of I Am Athlete, the former Los Angeles Laker talked about his recent name change, the Malice in the Palace, and mental health. The most interesting anecdote was the one involving a drunk encounter with Magic Johnson. 

He said, “I couldn’t function. The whole time I think my eyes were closed the whole time. I was trying to keep them open, but I’m just like, great season all right, guys.”

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Artest has done some unbelievable things, but meeting a Hall of Famer, and fellow Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson in an inebriated state, has to be the craziest.

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How Artest would play NBA games after drinking alcohol

In an interview with Sporting News, Artest talked about being an unruly player and drinking between games. His demeanor changed after joining Kobe and the Lakers.

Artest said, “I kept it in my locker. I’d just walk to the liquor store and get it,” 

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Artest went from the guy implicated for the Malice at the Palace at Detroit to winning an NBA championship with the Lakers. From his records, it is clear that there is more to Artest than what meets the eye.