Ron Artest #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)more pics » 
Ron Artest (Getty Images) If all goes according to plan, NBA Lakers small forward
Ron Artest will become
Metta World Peace this August.
TMZ reports that Artest has filed paperwork to make the switch legal — but that it won't happen until August 26, at the earliest.
Artest explained via Twitter, "Metta is a Pali word meaning loving-kindness. Metta chanting is the radiation of loving-kindness towards all beings: Super dope!!!"
Artest obviously wants the words "World Peace" on the back of his Lakers jersey. A noble decision, really.
Ron has worked hard to change his image since 2004, when he infamously brawled with Detroit Pistons fans while with the Indiana Pacers and was suspended for the rest of the season, fined and ordered to do community service.
But with a name like Metta World Peace, it's clear this guy now considers himself a lover, not a fighter.
Browse more pictures of Ron Artest (click any photo):
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Ron Artest #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)more pics » 
Ron Artest (Getty Images) If all goes according to plan, NBA Lakers small forward Ron Artest will become Metta World Peace this August.
