Metta World Peace: Lakers Would Be Better off Without Troubled Star

The Los Angeles Lakers shouldn't concern themselves with what the NBA decides to dole to Metta World Peace for punishment. They need to make him inactive and move on. 

They need to this because even a team as storied as the Los Angeles Lakers can hit a crossroads, and they are definitely at a junction now. 

They can either welcome World Peace back from suspension and plug him back into the lineup or they can make sure he never appears in the Purple and Gold again. 

Only the second option promotes the long-term health of the franchise. 

You see, this is not just any NBA team. This is the Los Angeles Lakers. The most powerful and recognizable basketball team on the planet. They are not viewed as just another franchise, and they cannot treat themselves like one. 

This team must hold itself to a higher standard when it comes to the on-court product. That includes play and behavior. And Metta is just not cutting it. 

Peace's concussion-inducing flying elbow that he delivered to the head of James Harden on Sunday needs to cost him his job.  

The Lakers should not let a player tarnish their brand with such a foolish and evil action. They should immediately announce that he is inactive and move on. 

This will show the world that they are committed to a higher standard, and it will free the team up from the drama that is MWP. 

The former Mr. Artest has been playing better as of late, but he is still easily replaceable. Devin Ebanks played inspired basketball in his place on Sunday, and the team looked incredible with him on the floor as they made their second-half comeback.  

The team can hand over the majority of Peace's minutes to the second-year pro. They will then be building toward the future by developing a young player, and by making it crystal clear that when you are in that purple and gold uniform, you are expected not to have instances of momentary insanity.