Lakers Rumors: Moving Metta World Peace Would Be Smart Move by LA

Metta World Peace has provided virtually no production for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, so the team should seek options for moving him before the trade deadline. Giving his minutes to a player with more upside would be the best option for the Lakers right now.

Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times reports the team is looking into moves, including Gilbert Arenas, but there's also something going on with the man formerly known as Ron Artest:

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Gasol gazed around the Lakers' practice facility to gather his thoughts about the team's needs, but he easily could have seen various teammates that illustrate why the Lakers need to make roster changes.

Metta World Peace stood directly behind Gasol shooting jumpers, something he's rarely done in games so much that an unnamed player told Fox Sports' Joe McDonnell many Lakers want him off the team.

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It's never good when a bunch of players on a team that's not living up to expectations pinpoints one player they want off the team.

It appears World Peace is the scapegoat for the Lakers' slow start, which means the team needs to do everything within its power to move him.

There are several reasons Los Angeles has struggled, especially on the offensive end, so far—most notably the lack of output from Derek Fisher and Steve Blake at the point, so it's a minor surprise to hear World Peace has been singled out.

Regardless of why certain Lakers players want him gone, it's impossible to develop any team chemistry when there's a source of contention like World Peace apparently has been this season.

He's averaging just five points per game while shooting 33 percent from the field, including a dreadful 19 percent clip from beyond the arc. So his on-court performance certainly isn't going to save his roster spot if the front office deems he must be moved.

At this point it's clear the Lakers need a shake up. Whether that means bringing in some fresh faces like Arenas or giving some players previously buried on the depth chart a chance to shine instead of sticking with World Peace, so be it.

The status quo simply isn't working. For other teams in the league, fifth place in their conference might be good enough. For the Lakers, it isn't, and something needs to be done to make them legitimate contenders before the playoffs roll around.

It appears World Peace was worn out his welcome in Los Angeles, so the team would be better off getting rid of him in whatever way possible so everybody can move on and start focusing on basketball again.