USA TODAY Sports

Metta World Peace to become Lakers assistant upon retirement?

In the wake of veteran NBA small forward Metta World Peace beating out second-year player Jabari Brown for the Los Angeles Lakers final roster spot, the Lakers also reportedly plan to have MWP join the coaching staff in the future.

Apparently, Lakers brass have a long-term plan in place that will see World Peace transition from a player to an assistant coach for the team.

Since World Peace's return to the Lakers in Septemeber, the team has reportedly been extremely impressed with his approach, in particular, how World Peace has become a mentor to highly-touted second-year player Julius Randle.

Randle, the seventh overall pick in 2014 NBA Draft, played in only 14 minutes last season for the Lakers before breaking his leg. One of the Lakers major long term assets, the Lakers appear to be taking Randle's development very seriously if they feel World Peace is worth keeping as an assistant coach to the team, and mentor to the young player upon World Peace's retirement.

For now however, World Peace, who will turn 36 in November, is about to embark on his second stint with the Lakers when the team opens its season Wednesday night at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers ride bench to first playoff series win in 10 years
Knicks guard joins NBA royalty in closeout win against 76ers
Maple Leafs force Game 7 with 2-1 win over Bruins
Georgia makes Kirby Smart the highest-paid coach in college football
Dodgers ace to make first start in nearly two years on Monday
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott provides significant update on contract negotiations
Clippers will need to fight for their playoff lives in Game 6 without injured star
Why Steelers declining RB Najee Harris' fifth-year option does, doesn't make sense
Watch: Grandson of Red Sox legend homers at Fenway Park
Suns owner after disastrous season: 'The house is not on fire'
Knicks' Villanova trio knocks out the 76ers in Philadelphia
Chargers add another target for QB Justin Herbert
Report: If Lakers fire Darvin Ham, ESPN analyst would be candidate
Watch: William Nylander gives Leafs a 1-0 lead over Bruins
Hurricanes restrict ticket sales for series against Rangers
Yankees 2B after loss to Orioles: 'We got punched in the face'
Bucks getting one of two stars back for Game 6 vs. Pacers
Ex-Knicks GM emerges as candidate for Pistons' president role
Encouraging sign emerges about Timberwolves HC Chris Finch after sideline injury
Patriots HC Jerod Mayo open to a reunion with Tom Brady