Artest: World Peace coming soon

The Los Angeles Lakers forward – born Ronald William Artest Jr. on Nov. 13, 1979 – will officially have his name changed to Metta World Peace on Friday.

Along with his name change, Artest also said he plans to switch his jersey number to 70 next season.

“You can call me Ron today and then it’s over. It’s a wrap,” Artest said. “It’s about love, world peace. Everybody can relate to that, whether it’s in the same community or the same state or the same country or whether it’s a country going to war.

“It’s about world peace. You know what I mean? The kids need to know that, and they know that now.”

“I’m changing it to 70 because it’s like something to do with the universe,” Artest said. “Everything kind of repeats itself. The universe is one. It’s the same thing. Healthy minds, just keeping the kids positive.”