Metta World Peace is one of the more unique characters to ever play a major role on an NBA championship team. Now, he's got an extra-special second championship ring from the Los Angeles Lakers 2020 championship run.
The retired forward showed off the custom ring, which commemorates the franchise's title, its rich history, and the memory of Kobe Bryant.
“So excited about my new @lakers championship ring. #242 . Thanks lakers !!!!!,” he captioned.
The numbers are in reference to Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
An inscription reading “Artest Family” is visible on one side of the jewelry.
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The Artist Formerly Knows as Ron Artest won his only title with the Lakers in 2010. In addition to providing staunch defense and toughness, World Peace was responsible for two of the most clutch plays of the team's championship run.
In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns, with the game tied at 101 and the series tied at 2-2, World Peace miraculously rebounded a Bryant air-ball and threw the ball into the hoop to give the Lakers a win at the buzzer.
Most famously, with one minute to go in Game 7 of the Finals, World Peace received a pass from Bryant and hoisted a questionable three. The all-time “No, no … yes!” shot improbably splashed through the net, giving the Lakers a 79-73 lead and ultimately clinching the franchise's 16th NBA championship.
Overall, the Queens, New York native played 16 NBA seasons, including six with the Lakers, most recently in 2016-17.
Including the playoffs, World Peace started all 100 games he played for the Lakers in 2009-10.
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