Injured Lakers forward Metta World Peace will start Tuesday night for the team's matchup against the New Orleans Hornets, according to ESPN Los Angeles. World Peace's decision for an early return comes just 12 days after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee that was supposed to keep him out of action for at least six weeks.
World Peace participated in a three-on-three scrimmage during the Lakers' practice Monday. Los Angeles coach Mike D'Antoni told ESPN that he believed there was a 90 percent chance the forward would play Tuesday.
"He's good," D'Antoni said. "It's probably a game-time decision, but he looks good. He's raring to go. The medical staff will make a decision tomorrow. It's unbelievable. He's different. ... I've never seen this before."
World Peace began running last week and participating in the team's shootarounds on Saturday and Sunday before the Lakers' loss to the Clippers. He believes he was ready to play last Tuesday, but hadn't yet been cleared by team doctors.
"It's not how sure I'm playing tomorrow night," World Peace said. "It's how sure I was playing three days ago. I was ready to play."
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