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Los Angeles Lakers: Metta World Peace wins 2017 teammate of the year

By Kenneth Teape

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 01: Metta World Peace #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 1, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Lakers 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 01: Metta World Peace #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 1, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Lakers 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Metta World Peace has been named the Los Angeles Lakers Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season.

When the Los Angeles Lakers hired Luke Walton to be their next head coach, the goal was clear; they were heading into a youth movement. That goal became even more clear once Magic Johnson was named President of Basketball Operations right before the NBA Trade Deadline. It has been the goal offseason as well with Rob Pelinka later being named general manager.

The Lakers have plenty of youthful talent on the roster. They selected Brandon Ingram with the second pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and considered him untouchable this offseason. In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers added another building block in UCLA point guard, Lonzo Ball.

However, every young team needs some veterans to lead the way. For the Lakers, that player was Metta World Peace.

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There aren’t many better players for a young NBA’er to learn from than World Peace. He has experienced the highest of the highs in winning an NBA title and the lowest of lows in the aftermath of the Malice in the Palace with the Detroit Pistons.

There weren’t much more feared defenders in the NBA than World Peace in his heyday. He made multiple All-Defensive teams and was Defensive Player of the Year for the 2003-04 season. He was someone that was respected by teammates and looked up to by the younger players.

That, in large part, is why World Peace was retained for the 2016-17 season. World Peace beat out youngster Anthony Brown for the Lakers final roster spot prior to last season. While he played sparingly, his impact on the team was evident. He only appeared in 25 games, averaging 6.4 minutes a game.

However, his impact was felt by his teammates, evident from the results of the Players Voice Awards. World Peace won Teammate of the Year for the Lakers in the 2016-17 season.

Despite not being on the court much, World Peace was able to make an impact on the team. While his second Lakers tenure, and possibly his playing career, could be over, World Peace may not be away for long.

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Whether or not his playing career is over, World Peace has the makeup to be a wonderful coach. He has a ton of playing experience and a lot to offer to an organization. World Peace is someone the Lakers should consider in some capacity for their staff if he is no longer going to pursue a playing career.

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