Metta World Peace pleads ignorance regarding one-game suspension

BOSTON — Here’s a rare dose of Lakers good news. Metta World Peace will suit up when the Lakers play tonight against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden after missing the Lakers’ win Tuesday over Brooklyn because of a one-game NBA-imposed suspension.

But don’t bring it up to World Peace.

“I totally don’t know what happened,” he said, “or what you’re talking about.”

The NBA determined World Peace grabbed the neck of Pistons guard Brandon Knight and struck him in the jaw, a play that resulted in World Peace receiving a flagrant foul type 1 in the Lakers’ win Sunday over Detroit. He forfeited about a little over $80,000 in salary.

“I’m not even sure what you’re talking about,” World Peace said.

What do you make of it?

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

Do you believe your reputation had anything to do with it? The NBA has suspended World Peace 11 times since 2003. The former Ron Artest earned an 86-game suspension in 2004 for his involvement in the Palace Brawl where he charged into the stands after a fan threw a drink at him. World Peace also received a seven-game suspension last season for elbowing James Harden in the head.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” World Peace said.

Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said it happened because of your reputation.

“I’m sure that goes into it,” he said. “I think their philosophy, or policy, is that everything goes into it. They look at the player, they look at who did it and past experiences.”

Do you agree with that statement?

“I’m not sure what any of ya’ll are talking about,” World Peace said.

We’re talking about Brandon Knight.

I’m not sure,” World Peace said.

And that was that.

Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com