Only nine days after having surgery to treat a lateral meniscus tear on his left knee, Metta World Peace went to the Lakers’ practice facility Saturday to fit in some shooting drills and run on the anti-gravity treadmill.
So much for the Lakers initially believing World Peace will remain sidelined at least six weeks. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni clarified World Peace will return four to six weeks from now.
This may be a mute point considering World Peace will only play this year if the Lakers play beyond the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers (40-36) only have a half-game lead over the Utah Jazz (40-37) for the eighth playoff spot and would likely draw either San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the first round.
Still, D’Antoni couldn’t help but marvel at World Peace’s progress.
“He’s a little different,” D’Antoni said. “He’s good. He’s unbelievable.”
World Peace has averaged 14.1 points this season, his highest scoring output in four seasons with the Lakers. He’s also appeared in better shape than in recent seasons. World Peace spoke publicly Wednesday at the Lakers’ practice facility promoting a championship ring raffle for former Lakers coach Bill Sharman, expressing optimism about his recovery. But he declined to provide specifics, including a timetable on his return.
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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com