Metta World Peace has tipped the Los Angeles Lakers to make the NBA Finals this season.

The 16-time champions were knocked out of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round last season.

The New York Knicks forward told ESPN: "I think the Lakers are going to go to the NBA Finals. I think Kobe [Bryant is] gonna be healthy, they're gonna get Pau [Gasol].

"The Lakers are gonna make a big trade like they always do. They're gonna get another good player, boom, boom, and they're gonna go to the Finals. I believe it. Kobe's gonna come back, he's gonna play team ball, and Pau's gonna play well.

"But I think the Knicks are gonna be great. Carmelo [Anthony]? What is he, the number one scorer in the last two minutes last season? I'm excited. It's exciting."

World Peace was waived by the Lakers in July, agreeing a two-year deal with the Knicks five days later.