Metta World Peace activated for Lakers vs. Mavs
For the first time in almost two years, Metta World Peace may play in a regular-season NBA game Sunday night as he's been listed as active by the Los Angeles Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks.
The former Ron Artest last played a regular-season contest on Feb. 21, 2014, as a member of the New York Knicks. To the shock of many, the Lakers signed him in September with the belief they would ultimately transition the 15-year NBA veteran into an assistant coaching role.
World Peace played in the preseason for the Lakers, but even coach Byron Scott conceded as recently as Saturday the soon-to-be 36-year-old wasn't likely to suit up anytime soon.
Byron Scott said yesterday activating Metta World Peace in wake of SAC blowout would be a "panic" move. Tonight, Metta is active.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) November 2, 2015
Whether World Peace sees minutes is another story. While the sample size is obviously very small, the Lakers have given up 114.3 points per 100 possessions in two games this season - something an aging, one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year may or may not be able to help with.