The Los Angeles Lakers made some news last week when they officially signed Metta World Peace to a one-year contract. While the deal may prove to be just a training camp invite and nothing more, World Peace seems keen on providing the Lakers with veteran leadership and experience. He spoke on the matter at Media Day:
Metta: “This year is going to be different. I’m going to be here to help the young guys and when my number is called I’ll be 100% ready.”
— Lakers Outsiders (@LakersOutsiders) September 28, 2015
World Peace seems to understand his niche as it pertains to the Lakers. He knows that he will likely not get much playing time, even if he does make the regular season roster, and that the team will mostly be looking for him to teach the young players on the team.
The player who may benefit the most from Metta World Peace’s presence is Julius Randle. World Peace has been working with last year’s seventh overall pick throughout the summer and he had only great things to say of the Lakers’ potential future star:
MWP on Randle: “He hurt me a couple of times. He’s strong, quick and wants to learn, and learns quick.”
— Lakers Outsiders (@LakersOutsiders) September 28, 2015
Continued on Randle: “I’m able to teach him the little things. He listens.”
— Lakers Outsiders (@LakersOutsiders) September 28, 2015
Lakers fans should be excited to hear these things about Randle. The sophomore should be able to learn about the nuances of NBA defense and how to properly use his strength to his advantage from the former Defensive Player of the Year. Randle’s ability and willingness to learn from the veteran is a promising sight and should contribute to significant development in his game, whether World Peace continues to be a part of that process or not.
