Metta World Peace recently told the story of LeBron James recruiting him back in 2009 to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It quickly became a hot piece all over social media, leading to an inaccurate interpretation that World Peace rectified.

Here's the claim:

According to the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, that's not exactly the case.

To clear up what the [theScore] posted on why I didnt play with The King. My goal was to beat the best players. I didn’t go to cavs to try underdog teams, but no teams wanted me. So I had to go with Kobe.I am grateful I had the chance to share the court with 24 and [LeBron James].

Metta World Peace and LeBron James' partnership never came to be, impacting not just the current Los Angeles Lakers superstar but also Kobe Bryant's career. World Peace ended up playing for the Lakers where he helped Bryant capture the NBA title in 2010.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Dean Wade completely shadowed out (all the way to the left) with Paolo Banchero (to the right of Wade), Jimmy Butler (to the right of Banchero) and Jayson Tatum (to the right of Butler) all next to him featuring Cavs, Magic, Celtics and Heat colors

Evan Dammarell ·

lebron james lakers jarred vanderbilt

Michael Corvo ·

LeBron James (Lakers) as a guy voting

Rexwell Villas ·

Ultimately, this goes to show the level of competitiveness World Peace had back in the day. It's safe to say he was feared by some players. He wasn't just an elite defender but also an intimidating presence due to his smash-mouth style on the court.

As the main cog in the Indiana Pacers' dreaded defense, World Peace gave James plenty of problems early in his career with the Cavs.

James teaming up with him in Cleveland could've changed the NBA as everyone knows it today. Maybe his presence would've been enough to make the king stay in his kingdom. Instead, the Miami Heat entered the picture and the rest is history.