Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace has been known for making outlandish statements in the past, but the NBA star may have taken that to a new level, declaring his former team will reach the NBA Finals this season per ESPN.
MWP, who signed with the New York Knicks this offseason, made the comments during a book signing.
No one would deny that the Lakers have a reasonable foundation with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, assuming the former is healthy. However, with the losses of Dwight Howard, Antawn Jamison, and even Metta World Peace himself, the Lakers don’t even have the look of a guaranteed playoff team – let alone one that can compete with the likes of the Thunder and Spurs for the crown. Even with those weapons last year, L.A. barely squeaked into the playoffs where they were quickly dismissed by the Western Conference champion Spurs.
Despite that, according to Metta World Peace, the team is expected to somehow be better? Seems legit.
MWP said a big trade would help the Lakers contend for another title, but unless the team is willing to part with Gasol, there really isn’t much that the team has to offer. Dealing away Nick Young, Chris Kaman, or even a past-his-prime Steve Nash isn’t exactly going to bring a superstar in return.
Never say never, but common sense dictates that the Lakers will have a difficult time just reaching the postseason.
