Metta World Peace Opts In To Contract With Los Angeles Lakers
By Bryan Rose
It’s been an eventful morning for Ron Artest, also known as Metta World Peace.
In addition to announcing that he and former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens would be joining forces for their own reality television show (whut?!), the small forward has also apparently decided on his future with the Los Angeles Lakers.
World Peace had an early termination clause in his contract which would have let him explore the free agent market if he so desired, but according to Sam Amick of USA Today, the forward will remain with the Lakers for the upcoming season.
Per Amick:
"According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the veteran small forward will play out the final year of his contract (worth $7.7 million) rather than exercise the early termination option on his deal. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been made public."
After experiencing his best season in Los Angeles, there were whispers that World Peace may opt out of his contract in hopes of securing a long term deal but given his questionable history, his love of Los Angeles and the bright lights of being a Laker, he decided against it.