Most underrated Los Angeles Lakers of the 21st century: 2) Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Ron Artest)
Most often remembered for his infamous role in the “Malice at the Palace,” the player formerly known as Ron Artest made massive contributions to the Lakers’ 2010 championship squad. His role on that team deserves more recognition.
Though he only averaged 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3 assists that season, he often embraced the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best player. A one-time 20.5 points-per-game scorer with the Sacramento Kings, Sandiford-Artest served as a viable scoring option for the Lake Show when Kobe or Pau attracted double teams or needed a rest.
Sandiford-Artest’s big-time Laker playoff moment occurred in Game 5 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns. With the series tied 2-2 and the score deadlocked at 101, Kobe’s attempted game-winning fadeaway was deflected only for World Peace to charge in, collect the offensive rebound, and in one motion throw the game-winner off the glass as time expired.
In that year’s finals against the Celtics, World Peace came up clutch once again with a back-breaking three-point bucket with just one minute left in Game 7. The shot put the Lakers up by six and essentially sealed the victory and the championship.
Talk about underrated.
2010 Playoff Averages: 11.2 PPG, 4.0 REB, 2.1 AST, 1.5 STL, 0.5 BLK, .398 FG%