Speculations went out on Monday that ethereal player Metta World Peace had talks with the Los Angeles Lakers on a potential comeback to fill out the team's void at the small forward spot. His classic Ron-Artesty response: "I didn't hear that... I got four kids, so I didn't hear nothing."

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While every basketball fan on the planet seemed to have been surprised by the rumor, it appears to be that World Peace was also startled about it himself.

TMZ Sports released a video showing the man formerly called Ron Artest responding to questions about his possible L.A. return and the 35-year-old former NBA player could not hide the disbelief in his eyes.

He answered in his typical style, though, and the reporter noticeably got what he deserved.

World Peace was asked if he "can still play" basketball, and the former Laker champion replied that "basketball is an easy sport", even referring to his fellow professional players as "okay" and "have nothing special."

The reporter went on to ask if he wants to reunite with the Lakers if Jeanie Buss calls him now, and his answer was "Absolutely!"

NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Sport noted that it is just normal for NBA teams to be in "casual conversations" with their former players about possible "camp invites" and veterans helping out on developing the team's younger players. And it usually does not lead to the vet actually being signed or fielded in on the court come regular season time.

However, since the rumors are about the Lakers and World Peace, the fans and media alike could not help but be drawn about knowing the story's conclusion.

Metta last played in the NBA for the New York Knicks in 2013-2014, his 15th season, and averaged 4.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in just 13.4 minutes per game.

He was in for 29 games with the Knicks before he decided to play overseas where he was just a middling player who averaged 19.0 points in China and 13.4 points in Italy, as per Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley.

Buckley also mentioned that since the Lakers are "painfully thin" at the no. 3 spot, to the point that Kobe Bryant has to start there this coming season, then World Peace coming back may indeed be a close possibility.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, Metta World Peace, Los Angeles Lakers