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It's a Metta World: Ron Artest Takes Action for [Name] Change
It's looking like Ron Artest won't be a Laker next season. Assuming the 12-year veteran forward has his way, he'll don the purple and gold with a new identity: Metta World Peace.
Ronald William Artest, Jr., 31, filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday to legally change his name. Pending an August 26 court date, the former Pacer who infamously took a brawl into the stands in 2004 will be officially named Metta World Peace.
Metta is a Buddhist word meaning "loving-kindness." How cute. Metta WorldPeace tweeted this morning that he'd explain the decision on his website.
It's unclear what name(s) would be on the back of Artest's jersey next year. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said he'd like to see to the $6.8 million salary go to World Peace.
Both the KC Star and Yahoo! Sports highlighted some of the more interesting name changes in history.
In REAL hoops news, the Lakers drafted two point guards, Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock on Thursday (Good call Joey). The team also drafted Ater Majok and Chu Chu Maduabaum (later traded to Denver for a future pick).
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