Kobe Bryant’s Former Teammate Sends Message to LeBron James on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 2:58 PM ET

On the latest "Mind the Game" episode, a fan asked Hall of Famer Steve Nash and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James who the greatest defensive players they faced were.

James answered first and went with Ron Artest, who is now known as Metta World Peace.

"Ron Artest was, you know, Metta World Peace now, oh my goodness, really good with his hands," James said. "Latterly was really good. Strong as an ox. You know, I played against him my early years when he was in Indiana.

"I mean, you know, it was challenging, you know, for sure. You know, it was one of the best defenders probably I've played against."

Artest heard James' praise of him, as the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year took to social media to thank The King.

Ok. The King @KingJames gave my props. I’m extending my 45 day vacay another 45 days.
— Coach Metta (@MettaWorld37) June 17, 2025

In 991 NBA games with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Lakers and New York Knicks, Artest averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks.

The forward made four All-Defensive Teams during his 17-year career.

Artest was teammates with the late great Kobe Bryant on the Lakers. The two players helped Los Angeles win the 2010 title against the Boston Celtics in seven games.

Bryant captured his fifth championship and second Finals MVP, while Artest won his first ring.

Artest's final NBA season was in 2016-17 with the Lakers, the franchise James currently plays for. The leading scorer of all time won his fourth championship and fourth Finals MVP with Los Angeles in 2020.

Bryant tragically passed away in January 2020 in a helicopter crash. Both of his numbers (8, 24) are retired by the Lakers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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