World Peace began his NBA journey when he was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the 16th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. During his time with the Bulls, he quickly established himself as a defensive specialist, known for his ability to guard multiple positions. His aggressive style of play and defensive skills earned him recognition early in his career.
In 2002, World Peace was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he continued to excel defensively. His tenure with the Pacers was highlighted by his selection to the NBA All-Star Game in 2004 and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award the same season. However, his time in Indiana was also marred by the infamous "Malice at the Palace" brawl in 2004, which led to a lengthy suspension.
After leaving the Pacers, World Peace had stints with the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets. In Houston, he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the playoffs, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
In 2009, World Peace signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that would bring him the ultimate team success. He played a vital role in the Lakers' 2010 NBA Championship run, particularly in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, where he scored 20 points and hit a critical three-pointer late in the game. His performance in the Finals solidified his reputation as a player who could deliver in high-pressure situations.
World Peace's time with the Lakers also saw him legally change his name from Ron Artest to Metta World Peace in 2011, a decision that reflected his desire to promote peace and positivity. Despite the name change, his on-court intensity remained unchanged.
After his stint with the Lakers, World Peace played briefly for the New York Knicks and had a short tenure overseas with the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association. He returned to the Lakers for a second stint before eventually retiring from professional basketball.
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