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Metta World Peace Returning to Lakers

The veteran forward is back in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers have restored the peace.

Metta World Peace is returning to the Lakers, as the team announced a one-year, nonguaranteed deal with the forward on Thursday, as first reported by Yahoo. The contract will give the 35-year-old the chance to be with the team at least through training camp and perhaps beyond.

"I think he'd be great in the locker room with young players," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told Yahoo before the deal was announced. "But we have to be careful not to use a roster spot too early because we have a lot of young kids."

World Peace last played in the NBA with the New York Knicks in the 2013-14 season, before playing in China and Italy. He played with the Lakers from 2009 to 2013, where he was a vital member of their 2010 championship team.

Known for his physical play, hard-nosed defense, and overall colorful personality, World Peace was a favorite of Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Already, the Lakers are impressed with the way World Peace has been working with 20-year-old Lakers forward Julius Randle.
"It's great to have him go against Julius. To watch those two guys practice, it's almost comical," Kupchak said. "I'm not sure who gets the better of it. I would be surprised if either player admitted to anybody after practice that they hurt more than they did before practice."

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(Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Showtime)

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