Metta World Peace challenging Kevin Durant in basketball

For someone who just legally changed his name to World Peace, the Laker formerly known as Ron Artest offered some fighting words for Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant.

The reason: Many NBA players based in New York City and Washington D.C. will compete Friday evening in what's called "The Showdown" at Long Island University, broke Metta's loving kindness.

"I can't believe people trying to take over my city," World Peace tweeted. "For 13 yrs I Been in the league. And ever summer I dominated streetball. Truwarier!"

Of course, if Ron Ron feels the need to boast that "I run NYC streetball," he'd be better off proving it on the court instead of tweeting from 3,000 miles away. But he tweeted he remains in Los Angeles because he's working on two movies and filming a music video featuring Diamond and Sade Artest titled "Fighter." Yup, rarely do things involving him make much sense.

"Truwarier's verses Kevin Durants team. I got 200k or 300k on it!! Winner take all. For now I'm in LA!! Email my management if yal want it!!," he tweeted. "Anybody in america who really want to to play against my team forth money email Artestamg@gmail.com I'm tired of this! I run NYC streetball! If the goodman league wanna holla at the most consistent NBA streetball player holla. You can't just start doing street ball. My squad here. I'll take my squad with no pro players against any squad and there pro players."

Concerns about Ron Artest's distractions miss the point

Ron Artest should remain a starter

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: Ron Artest. Credit: Associated Press