Bulls lose without Rose, but Celtics and Lakers are winners

Metta World Peace loses 22 pounds, 4.7% body fat


By J. Michael Falgoust, USA TODAY

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't needed Metta World Peace much in the first two games of their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. Kobe Bryant has scored a combined 69 points in the first two games and the Lakers hold a 2-0 series lead.

But it's not to be forgotten that World Peace was at the top of his game prior to his seven-game suspension.

So what was responsible for the late-season explosion by Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace?

No, not for the elbow he slammed to the head of an opponent that resulted in a concussion and has World Peace suspended for the first six games of the playoffs.

His actual play on the court.







That's why he was dunking, beating opponents off the dribble and running up and down the court fluidly. That joy, World Peace said a week ago, sparked the incident when he hit James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the head and led to his 13th suspension from the NBA.

He'd just dunked for the third time and was overcome with "erratic passion." He's new and improved.

Bulls lose without Rose, but Celtics and Lakers are winners