Six months ago, Kobe Bryant had one of the most memorable moments of his career. After a dismal final season, Bryant exploded in the last game of his legendary career, scoring 60 points in an unmistakably great performance.
It appears Bryant inspired at least one of his former teammates with that game. Metta World Peace, a two-time teammate of Kobe’s, including during the 2010 title run, was enamored with Bryant’s performance. So much so, in fact, that the forward wanted to wear number 60 this season to commemorate the moment.
Following via Bill Oram of the Orange County Register:
“I so wanted that No. 60,” he said. “That’s all I was talking about, if I got back to the Lakers, was changing my number to 60.”
…
“I was so honored to be there,” said World Peace, who played with Bryant from 2009-13, and again last season.
“I wanted to surprise him,” World Peace said of the tribute. “I was so honored to be there. But, whatever.”
The Lakers confirmed that World Peace requested the change when he signed his contract on Sept. 22. One problem: The league’s deadline for players to change their numbers had long passed.
“It’s Metta,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said, shrugging when asked about the request.
Alright, two things:
One: as a Lakers fan, I’m not too crazy about Metta World Peace getting a roster spot at this point in his career. But if he was wearing that jersey, I would be all in on starting him at every position.
Two: From now on, my explanation for everything MWP does, on or off the court, will be “It’s Metta.”
