Lakers News: Metta World Peace will be amnestied, according to report

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to use their one-time amnesty provision on forward Metta World Peace barring a "late change", according to Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register. The Lakers lone true small forward will not be making a return to the Lakers for the 2013-2014 NBA season.

The Lakers cannot amnesty World Peace until July 10 and can wait until July 16 to make a final decision.

World Peace had his best season with the Lakers last year. He averaged 12.4 points, 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game -- all career highs since joining the Lakers.

World Peace did not elect to take his early termination option with theLakers and accepted the $7.7 million for the final year of his contract. This will save the Lakers roughly $19 million after luxury tax penalities are included in his salary, according to Los Angeles Times' Eric Pincus.

World Peace joined the Lakers in the summer of 2009 and was a critical role player during their championship victory over the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals. While it is not official, it appears to be imminent.

A moment to thank Ron Artest for this moment in Lakers history:

- Drew

- Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN