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Metta World Peace Just Changed His Name Again for the Most Adorable Reason

By Nick Porr

Ron Artest going by the name Metta World Peace in a game for the Los Angeles Lakers
Ron Artest going by the name Metta World Peace in a game for the Los Angeles Lakers / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Metta World Peace has changed his name before, but his latest name may be his best. Born Ronald William Artest Jr., the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been legally known as Metta World Peace since 2011. Now, the former Los Angeles Lakers NBA champ now has a new name.

On Tuesday aftenoon, the man himself said on that he's now going by "Metta Sandiford -Artest".

Metta broke the news on Los Angeles Lakers guard Danny Green's podcast, "Inside the Green Room." On the show, he went on to explain that his new name carries a special meaning: He's taking Sandiford in honor of his wife, Maya Sandiford.

I's legitimately heartwarming.

Sandiford-Artest also shut down rumors that he had legally changed his name to "Panda's Friend" in 2014 in light of a flurry of rumors to that effect. But no matter what name he goes by, he will always be an iconic presence among Lakers fans. He was a key piece in the Purple and Gold's 2009-10 NBA title, averaging 10.6 points per game and 1.4 steals per game and coming up big in key moments.

He's got yet another new name, but he's still the same Ron-Ron.