Metta World Peace will be out of action for six weeks following a lateral meniscus tear in his knee in the first half of a 103-109 Los Angeles Lakers recent loss to the Golden State Warriors.
During an interview on the "Bucher & Towny Show," on 97.5 The Game’s afternoon show in the bay area, World Peace stated he is scheduled for surgery and maybe eyeing a return in the second round of the playoffs albeit if the Lakers are still playing.
For the San Antonio Spurs, this may possibly mean one less threat to worry about should the Lakers maintain their hold on the eighth playoff seed in the West and the Spurs hold on to the first seed.
The loss of World Peace will hurt the Lakers more than most people think. With World Peace, the offense is five points better per 100 possessions, while the defense 4.8 points better.
On the offensive end, they lose his ability to space the floor with his three point shooting (34.7% this season).
With Metta, the Lakers have a player that understands how to play with Kobe and can still be a pest on the defensive end though not like the Metta of old.
During the interview, Peace stated he had no problem going from a twenty point a game scorer with the Kings to a supporting with the Lakers. He picks his spots and is a real asset to the Lakers.
On the defensive end is where his loss will be felt the most. Granted, he isn't the same defensive player he once was but he would guard the opponent’s best perimeter player for a large portion of the game, which allowed Bryant to save his energy on the offensive end.
Dwight Howard will now be forced to carry a larger burden of needing to protect the rim more often due to defensive lapses on the perimeter and have one less person to help on the boards.
However, this is still a team that can be dangerous even without Metta. Kobe is Kobe, Howard still presents an issue for the Spurs in the paint and with Pau Gasol back from injury, then that's just another headache waiting for the Spurs should they face the Lakers in the first round.
So what do you think Spurs fans? We will love to hear your thoughts on the loss of Metta for L.A.
