Metta World Peace On The Block?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Alphawolf

With his team off to a lackluster start and his production at an all-time low, there have been a lot of rumblings that Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, could be on his way out of Los Angeles.

 

Known for his antics on and off the court, Metta has been drawing a lot of attention to himself this year via twitter and talking to the media, and it also appears that some of his teammates would be happy to see him go.  According to an interview with an anonymous Lakers player, “There are a lot of guys in here who’d just like to see him gone… I think we’d definitely be a better team if everyone didn’t have to walk on eggshells when he’s around.”

 

Metta is averaging a career low 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 22.6 minutes per game in what has also been by far the least productive season of his 12 year career.  There have been rumors that the Lakers could use their amnesty clause on Metta, as there has been little talk of other teams willing to trade for the 32 year old veteran.

 

Lakers’ coach Mike Brown even went so far as to admit he was having trouble justifying playing Metta, saying, “If I were a stats guy, Metta wouldn’t be playing at all. If I were him, I would be frustrated.”  According to ESPN.com and Synergy, Metta is the 192nd rated defender in the league, far below what he once ones and raising the question of whether or not he is worth having in the rotation at all.

 

The Lakers (17-12) are 2 games back of their cross-town rival Clippers for the Pacific Division lead.  They have won 3 of their past 4 games and are preparing for a home and home series against the Phoenix Suns this Friday-Sunday.