Basketball World

On draft day there is typically a lot of news going around. Whether it be rumors or reports, speculation on draft picks or trades, the NBA draft days have been pretty hectic news-wise.

Then there is Ron Artest… or WAS Ron Artest. He is legally changing his name to “World Peace.” This is not a joke as TMZ reports:

Yes, Ron is going the way of Cassius Clay, Lew Alcindor and Chad Johnson. Ron’s filed a petition in L.A. County Superior Court to change his name to — World Peace. FYI, metta means loving, kindness, happiness and all that jazz. We’re told Ron wants to put the new last name — Peace — on the back of his L.A. Lakers’ jersey.

Mitch Kupchak was asked during a media session Thursday what he thinks about Ron changing his name to “Metta World Peace”:

As you can see it put a smile to my face” Kupchak said grinning ear to ear. “It’s been done before, so other than that, I really don’t have a comment.”

Kupchak was then asked if the name change surprised him “No, It does not surprise me, early on I wanted to change my name when I was in elementary school, and junior high there weren’t too many Kupchak’s around, but I’m happy with it now.

Finally when asked what should be on the back of Ron’s jersey next year Kupchak simply said, “I’m an advocate of World Peace!” which was met by a roar of laughter from the media room.