World Peace' faces knee surgery
Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace will undergo surgery on Thursday on his injured left knee, the team announced Wednesday.
The 33-year-old veteran is expected to miss six weeks, which means a projected return likely hinges on the Lakers making the NBA playoffs.
Team doctors Steve Lombardo and Dan Kharrazi will perform the surgery in Los Angeles.
World Peace suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee in the first half of Monday night's 109-103 loss to Golden State..
Jodie Meeks will start in World Peace's place when the Lakers face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, coach Mike D'Antoni said.
"Sorry bout the injury," World Peace tweeted Tuesday. "First ever knee injury. Recovery time hopefully is a week and a half."
His estimate was overly optimistic based on the surgery.
World Peace, 34, had not missed a game because of an injury this season -- the only player in the lineup to open the season to make that claim. In 70 games, the 14-year veteran is averaging 12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds.
The Lakers are fighting for their playoff lives, leading Dallas and Utah by one game for eighth and final Western Conference spot.
