A court commissioner recently granted the Lakers player permission to change his name to Metta World Peace. Artest’s publicist said the player chose the name because “Metta” is a traditional Buddhist word that means loving and kindness.
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“Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world,” World Peace said in an official statement. “After this short delay, my tickets have been paid and I’m glad that it is now official.”
The player is also the latest addition to this season’s “Dancing with the Stars.” He recently rehearsed for the start-studded show with his dance partner Peta Murgatroyd.
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“I was a big fan of Michael Jackson when I was young,” World Peace told the Los Angeles Times. “But now it’s ballroom dancing and cha cha.”
What do you think of Artest changing his name to Metta World Peace?