Metta World Peace to Have Knee Surgery; Out Six Weeks

Mar 22, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace (15) goes for a loose ball during the first half of the game against the Washington Wizards at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting to hang on to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but their chances to hang on to that position took a big hit with the news of small forward Metta World Peace suffering a torn meniscus. There was not an immediate timetable for World Peace’s recovery, but now we have a clearer idea. World Peace will be undergoing knee surgery and he will need at least a month and a half to fully heal.

Lakers reporter Mike Trudell made the following tweet on Wednesday afternoon:

Metta World Peace will have surgery on Thursday in L.A. for a torn lateral meniscus (left knee). He's expected to be out at least 6 weeks.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 27, 2013

While that means World Peace could potentially return, that doesn’t look like the case. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni does not appear optimistic that the Lakers best perimeter defender will return this season.

D'Antoni was asked if he was "optimistic" about Metta World Peace returning this season: "No."
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 27, 2013

If this is truly the case, then the Lakers are in for a rough end to the season.

Their biggest are of concern is the lack of perimeter defense, so losing World Peace does nothing to help.

With the Lakers barely hanging on by a thread to that final position, it could only be a matter of time before they start to fade and end up missing the postseason.

Will the Lakers make the postseason without World Peace? Sound off in the comments section and let your voice be heard.

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