Prior to what was likely his last home game with the Los Angeles Lakers and his next-to-last game after 17 seasons in the NBA, swingman Metta World Peace sat at his corner locker, tapping out text messages to help arrange a get-together with friends.
«He’s going for 62!» Lakers guard Nick Young, standing nearby, belted out, a nod to Kobe Bryant’s 60-point finale last season.
«And 50 shots!» added nearby Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, a nod to Bryant’s in his finale.
World Peace laughed.
«Oh my goodness,» he said.
«Please don’t listen to none of that, please.»
He’s the Lakers’ elder statesmen, tasked with providing leadership to a roster packed with fledgling talent even though he watches most of the team’s games from the bench.