Mar 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace (37) aka Ron Artest is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) during an NBA game at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Former Lakers Star Metta World Peace Reacts to LeBron James' Defense Comments

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 3:02 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James recently complimented former Lakers forward Metta World Peace and the defense that he used to play in his career.

Even before he got to the Lakers, World Peace had a reputation for being one of the best defensive players in the league. When he was known as Ron Artest, he was one of the best players on the Pacers.

James was asked if there was one specific player that he would characterize as a great defensive player, and he named Artest as the guy who stood out.

World Peace was happy to hear that James thought he was one of the toughest defenders in the league. He gave James a shoutout for that mention.

Hear straight from @MettaWorld37 what it was like to guard young @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/TWPq8KHRe3
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) June 20, 2025

"I want to give a shoutout to King James and Steve Nash on Mind the Game. Definitely appreciate the recognition. I always tell people, straight up, and it's kind of hard to let people know that a 17-year-old kid or 18-year-old LeBron James gave me 25. It got to admit it, though, I was trying my hardest."

James is now the all-time leading scorer in the history of the NBA, so it's not hard to see how he was able to handle World Peace when he was still at the height of his defensive powers.

James is one of the two best players to ever play in the NBA. He is able to score on anyone, especially when he is going downhill. He can still do that at the age of 40.

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World Peace was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 with the Pacers. James dropped 25 on him in 2003 as a rookie, so that's a very impressive feat.

Despite that first impression, James clearly thinks that he was one of the best defenders he's ever faced. In his 20+ years in the NBA, he has played against a lot of different players.

Had he not gone into the stands against the Pistons, World Peace may have more than one championship. He won a title with the Lakers in 2010.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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