Lakers: Metta World Peace Endorses Thon Maker As Lakers’ Pick
By Eric Yee
Your Los Angeles Lakers have been anything but shy when it comes to appearing on radio shows since the end of the season
Early Monday morning, Jordan Clarkson was on Power 106 discussing everything from the Lakers’ new coach Luke Walton to being the middle man between teammates D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young, but it was actually Metta World Peace who did it first, all while eating an apple.
Last Thursday, the man formerly known as Ron Artest was on The Dan Patrick Show and he had an interesting answer when asked who the Lakers should draft.
Though it wasn’t specified with their second overall or 32nd pick, World Peace’s answer was interesting. Instead of Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, it was actually Thon Maker who he chose to talk about.
“I don’t really know who’s available, I think it’s… I like the kid Thon Maker, I guess he’s gonna be a superstar.” However, when Patrick revealed that Maker was still just a high school kid, Artest also added that he might not be ready just yet for the NBA.
Related Story: Lakers Should Gamble on Thon Maker With 32nd Pick
Patrick also went to go onto talk about Ben Simmons, who he claimed was a “point guard,” providing yet another reason why I don’t go to Dan Patrick for my NBA news, or any news for that matter.
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Similar to Clarkson’s interview, it is interesting to see Artest in this light as he’s really a lot smarter and more observant than he gets credit for. Often known for his silly locker room comments, when put in a more serious setting he actually has some insightful answers.
For example, when asked who he thought was the most dominant player he ever faced, he said “Yao Ming” without hesitation then proceeded to fire of a list of rational reasons why he thought so.
Additionally, when asked to weigh in on the Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan debate he stated,
"Kobe is not gonna stop Jordan and Jordan is absolutely not gonna stop Kobe. He’s not gonna stop him, Kobe’s not gonna let you stop him, it’s impossible. It’s impossible.Mike was great but Kobe is amazing. Jordan cannot stop Kobe."
As a person who played against both men — Jordan in the last stop of his career and Kobe practically through and through — this should be expected but seeing how Artest is regarded as one of the best defenders to play the game, his opinion should have some weight.
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If only as a member of the staff, it would be nice for the Lakers to bring MWP in order to mentor the young guys just as he did this year. H/T to Lakers Nation for the video find.