Metta World Peace Encouraged Following Knee Surgery

Less than a week after undergoing left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, Metta World Peace says he’s off crutches, and feels very encouraged about the recovery process. Per the Lakers’ team website: “Dr. Lombardo did a great job; Dr. Kharrazi did a great job,’ World Peace said. ‘Outside the meniscus tear, they said the knee looks good for a person who has played 14 years in the NBA. That was encouraging. Virtually no wear and tear, and things like that.’ World Peace hurt the knee during the Lakers last road trip at Golden State. The Lakers starting small forward played 19 first-half minutes, but did not play in the second half – a game L.A. lost 109-103. ‘At first I didn’t know what it was,’ he explained. ‘All of a sudden you can’t walk and you can’t run. I’m like: ‘Something’s wrong here.’ I went into the locker room and told Gary (Vitti).’ […] Prior to the injury, World Peace had played in 69 of 70 games, missing one due to suspension at Brooklyn in early February. The original timetable for his recovery is six to eight weeks, but he allowed the recovery has gone smoothly thus far now that he is able to walk without the use of crutches. ‘After the surgery, they want you to put pressure on it and see how you feel to feel the difference,’ World Peace explained. ‘Then you get on the crutches right after that. I was on the crutches for a couple days, but it gets better. Every half day, it improves. I’m very encouraged.'”