Metta World Peace Must Step Up for Los Angeles Lakers on Both Ends of the Floor

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it appears that the Metta World Peace bench experiment is over. 

While I credit head coach Mike Brown for trying to think outside the box and being unafraid to tinker with the lineup Phil Jackson had implemented, it seems as though World Peace was unable to ever find a rhythm in his new role. 

Since being back in the starting lineup World Peace is showing some good signs of finding his stride. 

After Friday night’s win against the Denver Nuggets, World Peace seemed to be back in the right state of mind.

“I’m excited, man. I haven’t felt like this in a long time and I know I’m going to get better, that’s the crazy thing,” World Peace said. “I know defensively that I’m going to get better because I’m working at it and I’m just feeling really good.” 

Those are some encouraging words from a man who has lacked consistency this season. Hopefully this trend continues, as the Lakers sorely need a few more positive contributors.

In addition to locking down the opponents best player, World Peace also needs to continue to make the smart plays. An underrated passer, World Peace is capable of making some impressive plays from time to time, in particular when things break down on the offensive end.

If World Peace can stay engaged it will allow for Coach Brown to play him heavier minutes and trust him down the stretch. As a veteran on this team, it is World Peace’s job to be a reliable contributor as the team continues to deal with injuries as it makes its way toward the playoffs.

Frankly, this team simply isn't deep enough to win night in and night out with the current production of its role players.

In the loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday, no player scored more than five points outside of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.

This is unacceptable.

World Peace has the ability to be that fourth option. If he can reestablish himself on the post and hit a consistent amount of threes, he can elevate this team to a new level.

Unfortunately, World Peace has been anything but consistent of late.

With any blockbuster trades seemingly in limbo, it seems as though this is the roster the Lakers are stuck with. And with 42 games left in the season, much of the Lakers future rests on the shoulders of Metta World Peace.

Scary thought, huh?