Metta World Peace believes he’s stronger than most power forwards

Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni is experimenting with his lineup, moving Metta World Peace, who had started in the team’s first 25 games, to the bench in Tuesday’s win over the Charlotte Bobcats.

D’Antoni’s rationale is to give World Peace the team’s primary minutes at power forward behind Pau Gasol. Depending on the situation, that would shift Kobe Bryant to small forward and give Jodie Meeks an opportunity to start.

“I’m stronger than most power forwards in the NBA anyway, it doesn’t really matter,” said World Peace of the position change. “There’s only a couple of power forwards that are, ‘Alright, he’s a real power forward. He’s really strong.’”

World Peace takes pride in his versatility and said he’s willing to come off the bench if it helps the team win games.

“I can play any position,” he said. “I can guard point guards better than most point guards.”

D’Antoni noted that he’ll still play World Peace at small forward, occasionally in a starting role.

“He’s going to play some three, but I don’t know as a starter or not. He’s OK with either role,” said the Lakers coach. “There will be certain match-ups where he has to start, [Oklahoma City] for example, with Kevin Durant -- so there will be times that he starts.”

ALSO:

Steve Nash’s return a possibility for Saturday

Pau Gasol’s return will help, but to what extent?

Dwight Howard believes Steve Nash‘s return will help Lakers’ defense

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.