NBA: Lakers ready to give World Peace a chance, again

Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers points to a teammate during the first half of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 6, 2016 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. AFP

LOS ANGELES, United States — Metta World Peace has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, extending his second stint at the club following his return to the franchise last season, the veteran forward said Wednesday.

The 36-year-old, who played 35 games for the Lakers in 2015-2016 after returning from spells in China and Italy, told ESPN he hoped to help mentor younger team-mates in the upcoming season.

“I’m excited about everything. I’m prepared to help the young guys grow. To play, everything,” World Peace told the network.

World Peace — formerly known as Ron Artest — will be reunited with former team-mate Luke Walton this season.

Walton, who played alongside World Peace during the Lakers’ NBA finals winning team in 2010, has been hired as head coach after the franchise’s 17-65 season last year.

World Peace has enjoyed a nomadic career throughout the NBA, with spells at the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks as well as the Lakers.

He missed a record 86 games through suspension during the 2004-2005 season after climbing into the stands to brawl with fans during a Pacers-Detroit Pistons games.