Metta World Peace Decides Not To Opt Out Of Lakers Contract
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Lakers forward Metta World Peace has decided not to opt out of the final year of his contract with the team, according to his agent, Marc Cornstein.
Discussion had taken place about the possibility of leaving the Lakers, in search of a new multi-year deal. However, World Peace, who had until Tuesday to exercise an option of early-termination on his contract, will instead get the remaining $7.7 million owed to him of the five-year deal with the Lakers, which he signed in 2009, according to ESPN.
The ball is now in the Lakers' court, as the team will decide whether to bring World Peace back next season or to waive the 33 year old strong-forward.
While the Lakers played a disappointing season, World Peace had something of a comeback year.
World Peace averaged 12.4 points and 5.0 rebounds according to ESPN, both of which were an improvement over his 2011-12 season.
The 14-year veteran played in 75 games in 2013, averaging 33.7 minutes per game and earning a .403 field-goal percentage.
He has been named to the All-Defensive 1st team twice (2004, 2006) and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
