Metta World Peace Suspension: Lakers Will Not Miss Troubled Star in First Round

The Los Angeles Lakers caught a break when Metta World Peace was only suspended for seven games, and the punishment should not affect their playoff chances. 

When troubled veteran elbowed Oklahoma City's James Harden in the head last week, it seemed like it could derail the playoff hopes for both teams.

The Thunder suffer without their third-leading scorer, although Harden should be back by the playoffs. Also, the Lakers could have been in trouble if World Peace were out for a long duration.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, the NBA was soft in deciding a punishment and World Peace should be back by the second round of the playoffs.

In the opening series, the Lakers are slated to face the Denver Nuggets. While they have had a good season, there should be little chance of an upset. The Nuggets have a great offense led by quick guards, but the frontcourt is small and does not defend well. Lakers forwards Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol should have an easy time dominating the rebounding battle. There is no key threat for World Peace to shut down, and the offense that would be missed is minimal.

However, the potential second-round matchup against the Thunder is where the veteran would be needed.

Despite his offensive numbers consistently dropping at this point in his career, World Peace is a very good defender. The Lakers need his size and athleticism to stick with Kevin Durant on the wing. In his three games against the Lakers this season, Durant is only shooting 42.3 percent from the floor, compared to almost 50 percent on the year.

If the team can hold the young star in check, Los Angeles has a chance to pull off the second-round upset.

At that point, every fan of the Purple and Gold needs to thank David Stern for keeping the suspension so light.