Lakers’ World Peace needs knee surgery, out 6 weeks

  • Associated Press
  • Wednesday, March 27, 2013 4:12pm
  • SportsSports

MINNEAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Lakers’ push for the playoffs just got a whole lot tougher.

Lakers forward Metta World Peace, the team’s best perimeter defender, is scheduled to have surgery on Thursday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He’ll miss a minimum of six weeks, the team announced Wednesday.

That means that even if the Lakers get into the playoffs — they’re in eighth place in the West, just a game ahead of Utah and Dallas for the final spot — he’d be sidelined for at least the first round and probably more.

Losing World Peace, who had been their most durable player, was the latest in a long line of injuries for a team that started the season with championship aspirations but just hasn’t been able to sustain any stretch of health or success. Dwight Howard (back and shoulder), Pau Gasol (foot), Kobe Bryant (ankle, wrist), Steve Nash (knee) and Jordan Hill (hip) have all missed significant time or had to play through injuries this season.

Now add World Peace, who is averaging 12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds and, more importantly, was the one player on the roster who could be counted on to play some tough defense on the opposing swingmen. His physical nature and never-back-down mentality was essential for a team that has often struggled on that end of the floor. Only six teams have allowed more points this season than the Lakers, who were also 15th in opponent’s field goal percentage.

“I was hurt because Metta, he’s been strong all year,” Howard said at the team’s shootaround on Wednesday morning. “He hasn’t really had that many problems and then he gets hit with a serious injury. It just seems like all year when somebody comes out (off the injured list), somebody does down. So, it’s kind of tough and to see Metta go down, it kind of hurt.”

Coach Mike D’Antoni said Jodie Meeks would get the start in World Peace’s place on Wednesday night against the Timberwolves, who have lost 21 straight to the Lakers. That means that Bryant will have to play small forward on defense, which will likely mean more wear and tear on a 34-year-old body that already has plenty of bumps and bruises.

World Peace’s injury may cause Bryant to reinvent himself yet again this season. Earlier in the year when Nash was out and the Lakers were struggling to move the ball, Bryant made an effort to get his teammates more involved at the expense of his own scoring. Now Bryant, whose days as an elite on-the-ball defender appear to be waning, may have to focus more on that end of the floor to compensate for the loss of World Peace, all while playing on a badly sprained left ankle.

“Don’t tell me how rough the water is. Just bring the boat in,” Bryant tweeted on Wednesday afternoon. “Mambaism(equals)No excuses.”

World Peace was injured in the second quarter of a game against Golden State on Monday, staying in the locker room in the second half of what turned out to be the Lakers’ third straight loss.

They have 11 games remaining, including tough ones against Dallas, Memphis, the Clippers, Golden State and San Antonio.

“We just can’t seem to get any traction,” D’Antoni said at shootaround. “But, besides that, nobody is feeling sorry for us, and we got plenty (of talent) to win anyway. So let’s just do what we’re supposed to do and go out and play as hard as we can and see what happens.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.