Metta World Peace is making headlines again, following an appearance on ESPN Radio in Los Angeles (link via Sports Radio Interviews). World Peace told Max and Marcellus that the Lakers were "definitely" aiming to beat the Bulls' record for winning percentage in a season, and want to finish 73-9 this year. While I'm not sure the rest of the Lakers would share the forward's optimism about the team's regular-season record, Los Angeles looks to be one of the teams to beat heading into the 2012/13 season. Here are a few more quotes from the man formerly known as Ron Artest, along with the rest of today's Lakers notes:
- World Peace on what pieces he feels the Lakers are missing: "Nothing. We feel great. I saw [Antawn] Jamison today and people forget that he is one of the best offensive rebounders in the game… He has the best touch out of all the big men in the game. So you figure a guy like that and then we have some great players off the bench, so we’re confident. I trust in myself and I trust in my teammates most importantly."
- World Peace also said he feels like he's in "really good" shape, particularly compared to where he was at the beginning of last season.
- According to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, if the Lakers keep their roster intact and re-sign Dwight Howard, they could end up paying around $200MM in 2013/14, between player salaries and luxury-tax penalties.
- If the skyrocketing cost of the roster is a concern, GM Mitch Kupchak isn't worried about it yet, as he told Bolch: "My feeling is that we'll continue to pursue the top players in the league. There will always be an emphasis on having the franchise be able to survive and prosper."