LOS ANGELES — Metta Sandiford-Artest, a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2010 championship run, is still studying the game like he did in his prime — and he’s ready for his next act on the sidelines.
Now 45, Sandiford-Artest has spent the past six years coaching Division II women’s basketball, rising at 5 a.m. to lead 6 a.m. practices with no budget, no complaints, and no off-switch.
“This is what readiness looks like,” Sandiford-Artest told me in a wide ranging interview by phone. “You’re not going to catch Metta World Peace off guard.”
That fire has never left the former Defensive Player of the Year, who still sees the game through the lens of someone who’s been a go-to scorer, defensive anchor, and playoff closer. And he’s got his eyes on an NBA head coaching job — possibly in New York, where his career began.
“I’m trying to bring a title to New York City,” he said, when asked about the Knicks’ coaching vacancy.
Lakers Lessons, Coaching Preparation
For Lakers fans, Sandiford-Artest’s passion for preparation should feel familiar. He was the wild card that pushed the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers over the top in 2010. His Game 7 performance against the Boston Celtics — 20 points, a clutch 3-pointer, and relentless defense — remains part of franchise lore.
That same energy now fuels his coaching ambition.
“People are saying, how are these old school players gonna coach? Well, these players came up under us,” he said. “I’ve been a role player. I’ve been a star. I’ve started almost my whole career — and I’ve seen it all.”
Haliburton, Carlisle, and Love for the Pacers
Though his coaching vision is fixed forward, Sandiford-Artest hasn’t lost his eye for today’s NBA talent. One player he believes is on the path to greatness: Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.
“Tyrese Haliburton is special,” Sandiford-Artest said. “He reminds me of John Stockton — not the same type of player, but the same type of impact. He’s a Hall of Famer in the making.”
That admiration extends to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, who helped guide Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
“I think Rick Carlisle is incredible. I LOVE the Pacers,” he said. “100 percent.”
Coaching Fit, New York Ties — and the Knicks’ Next Era?
Sandiford-Artest’s coaching candidacy comes with a unique perspective. He has no personal ties to Knicks front office members like Leon Rose or William “World Wide Wes” Wesley, but he has history.
“I met World Wide Wes during the Malice at the Palace — he dragged me off the court. He kept me from getting pepper sprayed!” Sandiford-Artest said with a laugh.
Of Rose, he added: “I didn’t even know if he was Black or white until someone told me. I don’t really follow all that. I just coach, raise my family, and run my business.”
His focus is on readiness — and on how he’d elevate talents like Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns, should they end up in Knicks orange and blue.
“Watch my games when we almost beat the Lakers with the Rockets. Watch my closeout games with the Lakers in the Finals,” Sandiford-Artest said. “From the post, from the perimeter, on defense — I’ve been in every situation. I know how to put guys in position to win.”
Lakers Roots, Coaching Future
While his name has surfaced in coaching conversations across the league, including New York, Sandiford-Artest’s Lakers past still casts a long, meaningful shadow.
He credits that 2010 title and his time in Los Angeles with showing him what championship culture really means — the discipline, the sacrifice, the mental toughness.
And now, as he chases that next coaching opportunity, he’s applying those same lessons, one 6 a.m. practice at a time.