Ron Artest, LA Laker‘s very own forward wants to change his name to “Metta World Peace” legally. In Los Angeles Times report last Thursday, Artest said he wants to skip his current name for Metta World Peace while stating personal reasons on why he wants to do so.

For some insight the name Metta, which Ron Artest want’s to use legally in place of his real name, in Buddhism means “a strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others”.

Image Credit: hiphop.popcrunch.com

In accordance with the report, Artest and his lawyer Jill Rubin have filed his petition in a court in Los Angeles that very day to permanently change his name, the hearing will be set on August 26, 2011.
Legally born as Ronald William Artest Jr., the 31 years old Artest have received his 2011 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award last april, with his outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Apparently, in TMZ reports, Lakers’ forward have launched a reality show named “Last Second Shot” for the benefit of his former inmates, wherein he aims to change their lives with basketball.

Back to the real topic, reports says that once the court approves Artest’s real name change to Metta World Peace, it will be LA Lakers and Artest decisions if his jersey for the next NBA season may or may not bear World Peace.