After a few weeks' delay, there is finally peace on earth.

Well, there is Metta World Peace anyways.

That’s right, always interesting NBA star Ron Artest officially changed his name Friday morning in a Los Angeles courtroom. Artest, who was not present for the proceedings, chose Metta because the Buddhist word means loving and kindness toward all.

“Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world,” World Peace said in a statement released after the hearing. “After this short delay, my tickets have been paid and I’m glad that it is now official.”

Metta World Peach had originally planned to have his name changed last month but the plan was delayed when it was discovered he had outstanding parking tickets. But this time he was not be denied. His attorney, Nahla Rajan, handled the court proceedings, according to his publicist, Courtney Barnes.

"[Rajan] walked up, the judge said, 'We understand he wants to change his name and he wants to do so for personal reasons,' and it was granted," Barnes said. "That was it. It was that quick."

Now if only fitting Metta World Peace on the back of a Los Angeles Lakers jersey will be so simple.

Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris

(Photo: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)