It has been almost two full seasons since Metta World Peace has worn the purple and gold for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he remains a fan favorite and as active as he can be in Los Angeles.
— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —
Before signing with Italian club, Pallacanestro Cantù, World Peace could be seen at the Staples Center taking in a Lakers game or two. World Peace made his presence known rocking Panda shirts and hats while talking to the Los Angeles media as well as Jeanie Buss and others sitting courtside.
With World Peace heading overseas once again to continue his playing career, the one-time NBA champion sent an invitation to former teammate Kobe Bryant to come play with him in Italy, via Sportando.com:
Metta World Peace doesn’t seem interested in leaving the center of media attention. The former Ron Artest told loca newspaper La Provincia he sent a message to Kobe Bryant to invite him to come to Italy.
“I sent him a message. I’d like to see him playing with me in Italy” he told smiling.
Obviously, Bryant can’t get back on the floor anytime soon and World Peace was clearly joking, but this isn’t the first time Kobe has been linked with an Italian club.
Back in 2011, during the NBA lockout, Bryant was offered $6.7 million to play for Virtus Bologna of the Italian League. Kobe has hinted in the past at wanting to play in Italy after his NBA career is over, but that stance has likely changed after three straight season-ending surgeries.
As for World Peace, the former Laker signed with Pallacanestro Cantù last month after failing to land with an NBA team. World Peace has said that he intends to play until he’s 40 and may be able to accomplish that feat if he continues to get opportunities overseas.
[divide]Jeremy Lin Still Fighting To Enjoy End Of Lakers Season