While the 33-year-old is far past the form that saw him win the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, what we're seeing from World Peace this season is truly a transformation.
Spending much of last season trying to get back into shape following the brief lockout, MWP began 2012 at nearly 270 pounds and 13.3 percent body fat.
His play showed, as he looked slow and lethargic on defense, often being ignored by opposing defenders or his own teammates on offense. Despite playing small forward, MWP was playing at the weight of most power forwards and centers.
His on-court production suffered, and some wondered if the Lakers would use their amnesty clause on World Peace to release him and save some cap space.
While his stats in 2011-12 were the worst of his career (7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds per game), it was clear MWP was starting to work his way back into shape.
By April 30th 2012, MWP had dropped 22 pounds and nearly five percent in body fat. His movements looked better, as did his overall game.
Going into the 2012-13 season, MWP has looked even fitter and lighter on his feet, and the stats show it.
Averaging 13.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, MWP is having his best season as a Los Angeles Laker since signing with them in 2009. His field-goal percentage (42.7 percent), three-point percentage (37.0 percent) and free-throw percentage (75.0 percent) are also his highest since joining L.A.
As Steve Nash told Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com:
I want to say it's inspired, but this is what he's been doing the whole year. He pounds on the best player on the other team. He gets his hands on a lot of balls. Rebounds. Scores. Makes threes. I mean, he's playing phenomenal, he's a great teammate and...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
