Metta World Peace a Voice of Reason Amid NBA Lockout

Yes, David Stern, this is how out of balance things have become no thanks to your greedy owners. Suddenly the man that has the most sensible take on the NBA lockout is none other than Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest.

How this has happened is about as good a snapshot as you’ll get on the ludicrous lockout that threatens the NBA season.

Mark Medina of the L.A. Times quotes World Peace who stopped to talk during a promo for Sungevity at Hollywood & Highland yesterday.

"“Instead of trying to become basketball players and a rapper, get a degree or become an owner.”“It’s their business. It’s not our business. As you can see, Mr. Stern can change rules whenever he wants. He does that a lot and sometimes it’s better for the game. But it’s educational for me.”"

Leave it to Metta to put this entire process in perspective. He is absolutely correct in urging more players to pursue a career in the business of basketball so situations such as this can be resolved in a more constructive fashion. Both sides seem to be speaking a completely different language.

To be fair, the NBA does have one owner that was once a player but we’ve all come to learn His Unfairness has fully morphed into a businessman having long ago traded his shorts for suits.

However that does not discredit Metta’s advice for future players. Going forward it will be for the benefit of the game – not just the NBA – if more players are using those free educations they receive to better understand the nature of these dealings.

Speaking of education, World Peace also views the lockout as a learning experience. Yet another fresh take on this tumultuous situation.

Metta is also dead on the money when he states just who owns the NBA. The players are but pawns in this game. They come and go every year whereas the owners are the ones that can remain on board for life if they so choose.

Something that should be noted is that Metta made it clear that the money has never been his motivation. This fact cannot be ignored as it aids in his stance on the current offer.

"“When I came to the Lakers, it wasn’t about money for me. It wasn’t about money. I didn’t even negotiate. I asked, ‘What do you want to give me?’ and I signed it. Other players have concerns, but I don’t really base my life around money.”"

Now I’m not saying if everyone involved in these negotiations had Metta’s view on things that this would be over. Money might not move him but it certainly does make the world go round. Still, there has always been a certain genius to the man formerly known as Artest. Some of that sage wisdom from Phil Jackson has clearly taken to World Peace. Now if only he could help spread some of that to the rest of the parties involved so we can get ourselves some NBA hoops…soon.