Lakers use amnesty provision on World Peace
So much for World Peace in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Lakers waived forward Metta World Peace on Thursday and designated him as the team's amnesty player under the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the team announced Thursday.
"It's tough to say goodbye to a player such as Metta, who has been a significant part of our team the past four seasons," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "For anyone who's had the opportunity to get to know him, it's impossible not to love him."
The 14-year NBA veteran averaged 12.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 75 games last season for the Lakers, who signed him in 2009. Before coming to Los Angeles, World Peace's stops included Houston, Sacramento, Indiana and Chicago.
The player formerly known as Ron Artest has career averages of 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
World Peace, 33, has indicated that he might consider retirement. According to reports, he was not happy that the Lakers used the amnesty clause on him.
A friend, Jose Morales, told ESPN.com that World Peace would only consider playing for the Clippers or New York, his hometown.
The Lakers made another roster move on Thursday, signing free agent forward-guard Nick Young.
The six-year NBA veteran has career averages of 11.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists es while playing for the Washington Wizards, Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
He played in 59 games for the 76er last season and averaged 10.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
