Metta World Peace Will Wear Shoes Featuring Pandas in China

Metta World Peace is really going all-out with his new Chinese name.

Last month, it was revealed that Metta World Peace was changing his Chinese name to "The Panda's Friend." Given that he loves pandas so much, he wants to get his fans in on the fun.

Update from Monday, Sept. 22

Metta World Peace explains that the panda bear is not detachable.

"

@BR_NBA thanks for tweeting my shoes. The Panda's Friends basketball shoe are not detachable .

— mettaworldpeace.com (@MettaWorldPeace) September 22, 2014"

"

The bear is not detachable. The Teddy bear is a permanent and is the pandas friend! The ears on the side are also not detachable. Enjoy

— mettaworldpeace.com (@MettaWorldPeace) September 22, 2014"

--End of Update--

When the former NBA star takes the court for the Sichuan Blue Whales, he will wear shoes with detachable pandas on them. Seriously.  

via Courtside Access

Instead of making a shoe that includes both white and black, The Panda's Friend went with two different pairs that feature each color. Again, he's going all-out with this idea.

Here's the reasoning behind the detachable pandas, via Angela Koussian of Courtside Access: “…before every game, I will be wearing the white or black shoes. The top part of the shoe has a panda on it…it is removable. I will be throwing it to a friend in the crowd. The person who catches it will be the Panda’s Friend of the day."

If you want to be "the Panda's Friend of the day," here's your chance. All you have to do is go to one of his games over in China and catch the panda doll that he throws into the crowd. Hopefully there are some other perks that go along with the honor.

[Courtside Access, h/t CBS Sports]