When it comes to Metta World Peace, you truly never know what you are going to get. The 16-year NBA veteran has been a journeyman, contributing in many ways regardless of his role on any team.
While Los Angeles Lakers remember World Peace for his heroics against the Boston Celtics during the 2010 championship run, he has turned into a fan favorite entering the final stages of his career.
The 2003-04 Defense Player of the Year Award winner also has a media aspect to himself, branding himself as a rapper, comedian, and actor. Although the Lakers have just days until their first training camp in Santa Barbara, World Peace still finds time to enjoy himself in the community.
The New York native went undercover as an associate for Modell’s Sporting Goods, with a moniker of ‘Panda’. The name seems appropriate, as World Peace referred to himself as ‘The Panda’s Friend’ during his tenure playing in China.
The store was located at Times Square, New York, just outside of his home near Queensbridge. The 2004 All-Star attempted to make sales using his cover, while the customers remained in awe and unsure if the worker was the 36-year-old NBA player they were accustomed to seeing on the court.
Many hilarious confrontations occurred, as fans attempted to assure him that he is World Peace, even though ‘Panda’ is profusely denying it. During his undercover stint, he actually manages to make his first career sale, selling a patriotic USA hat to a customer.
World Peace recently re-signed with the Lakers this offseason, agreeing to a return to the rebuilding franchise. He remains excited in his return to the team, eager to demonstrate to head coach and former teammate Luke Walton his talents.
This wasn’t the first time World Peace has appeared in the public, as he also made a hilarious appearance on MTV’s ‘Ridiculousness’.
The former 1999 first-round selection recently threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium, on top of receiving a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.
In 35 games played last season, World Peace averaged five points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 16.9 minutes per game.
