Metta World Peace says he’ll buy LeBron James’ new shoes

After initially majoring in math at St. John’s University, it appears Metta World Peace knows a thing or two about numbers.

He might not show it when he shoots a contested three-pointer and hopes that it improves his 34.2% career mark from three-point range. But World Peace demonstrated it when analyzing the simple economics regarding LeBron James’ new Nike shoes -- dubbed the “Signature X” -- that are selling for a reported $315. World Peace hardly flinched at the price and claimed he’d buy a pair for himself and his son for one reason only.

“I’m going to drop it because I can afford it, thanks to the fans and to the Lakers,” said World Peace, who has two years and $15 million remaining on his contract. “But if I couldn’t afford it, I wouldn’t buy it.”

In other words, a young World Peace (then known as Ron Artest) wouldn’t have stood in line so he could sport LeBron’s new kicks when he grew up in the projects around Queensbridge, N.Y. Still, there are plenty of others who will, considering the brand name and that the shoe features a motion sensor that tracks vertical leaps.

It’s hard to tell if World Peace was being serious. He has his own shoe endorsement with Ball’N, and the prices range there from $50 to $100. Two years ago, World Peace said he once wore a pair of James’ shoes and thought they felt as heavy as wearing military boots. World Peace, who appeared Wednesday at Paramount Studios for the Voice Awards, also lauded James’ business model with a straight face without any trace of sarcasm.

“That’s amazing,” World Peace said before accepting an award for his efforts with helping mental health charities. “That shows you what kind of marketing Nike has. Nike has great marketing. LeBron James has great shoes.”

Soon enough, World Peace will own that pair and find out for himself. Perhaps when he’s guarding the self-proclaimed King next season.

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