Los Angeles Lakers should make Metta World Peace part of coaching staff

The Los Angeles Lakers should bring back Metta World Peace as part of their coaching staff.

On April 14^th, days after the end of the regular season, Metta World Peace confirmed that he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. World Peace was on his second go-round with the Lakers, spending the past two seasons with the organization.

World Peace announced the move on his Twitter account. Although World Peace did not see much playing action, he provided a great veteran presence in the locker room for the rookie players.

Former General Manager, Mitch Kupchak, brought World Peace back because, “He’d be a great presence in the locker room with younger players.”

Even though his career as a player appears to be over, for now, World Peace doesn’t rule out coaching in his future.

Should the Los Angeles Lakers bring on Metta World Peace as an assistant coach for the 2017-2018 seasons as a coach? My answer is YES.

More from Lakers News

• Darvin Ham adds to Max Christie hype train after Lakers preseason opener
• Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest Lakers vs Warriors update
• Can Darvin Ham put all of the Lakers puzzle pieces together?
• Lakers news: Darvin Ham knows his fifth starter, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino praise
• Michael Malone’s painfully ironic comment has Lakers fans heated

First, World Peace is already extremely familiar with the young players in the locker room. Since he’s already had time to develop these relationships and gain their trust, this may make a better transition into the upcoming season.

Currently, the four assistant coaches on staff are Mark Madsen, Jesse Mermuys, Brian Keefe and Jud Buechler. However, both Brian Shaw and Madsen are the only two coaches I believe are untouchable. Therefore, should head coach Luke Walton decide to bring in World Peace, there could be a shift to the existing coaching staff.

Secondly, World Peace has played with and against many NBA greats. He would provide great insight for young players. Playing during the era of the many future Hall of Famers provides you an opportunity to learn a lot while battling against those players throughout the season. Therefore, he would bring forth a new perspective that is currently only represented by Shaw.

Third, one of World Peace’s specialties is defense. World Peace was named the NBA Defensive Player of the year in 2004, followed by being named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team in 2004 and 2006. Last season, the Lakers were ranked 28th in defense. Having someone who specialized in defense would greatly help the young team improve during the upcoming season.

And finally, World Peace has come a long way from his beginnings in the NBA from the infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl in Auburn Hills to thanking his psychiatrist after his Game 7 finals win. He has matured as a player, which is something that has been evident in his role as a leader in the locker room and the bench.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

Additionally, this maturity could rub off on the players of the locker room who have not yet fully grasped this concept. Overall, the younger players on the team could learn a great deal about basketball and life from Metta World Peace.