NEW YORK — The penalty came in rather harsh.
Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers was suspended for seven games by the NBA Tuesday for elbowing James Harden in the head, a punishment that could end the former Ron Artest’s season if the Lakers get knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in six games or less.
“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area, NBA commissioner David Stern said. “We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protest the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations”
World Peace will miss the Lakers’ final game of the regular season Thursday night at Sacramento, plus their first six playoff games.
To view the elbow that shook Harden and is now shaking Los Angeles, click the following link:
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/04/24/nba_announcement.nba