Artest Sticks To His Moniker “True Warrior” Returning To Action Just Days After Major Surgery.
Remember when reports came out that Artest would be out 6 weeks due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, which would have to undergo surgery? Well, 12 days later Ron is returning to the Lakers starting lineup, only days after having major reconstructive knee surgery.
Whether he will be effective on the court in mass minutes remains to be seen, but he’s a proven winner and veteran on this Lakers team to help them make the playoffs. He knows what it takes to contribute to the squad offensively and can improve their defense both mentally and physically. “Coach” Mike D’Antoni has given Metta an 80% chance of returning to tomorrow’s home game against Golden State, pending physical test.
Los Angeles has 5 more games left, 4 of which are at home, including Golden St, San Antonio and Houston who will most likely be resting their starters. Considering the Jazz are ahead of them by a ½ game and hold the tie-breaker with only 4 games left, the Lakers do not control their own fate.
The next 10 days should be very interesting for the fate of the Western Conference from top to bottom with nothing set in stone yet. Kobe Bryant who played all 48 minutes of yesterday’s game, will need Metta World Peace playing elite-level ball along with Gasol, Dwight and the role players contributing as well if they want a ticket-bid to the postseason.
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