Metta World Peace denied that he is currently negotiating for a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the veteran forward said that he is ready to return to the NBA.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported on Thursday that World Peace has started daily workout in Los Angeles and is nearing a one-year deal with the Lakers.

However, World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, clarified that there is no ongoing contract negotiation between him and the Lakers. He said that he has a good relationship with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, but they have not talked about a possible reunion in the upcoming season.

"Me and Mitch have a cool relationship but we have not talked about me coming back to the Lakers," World Peace told New York Daily News. "I call Mitch about other things. We just have a good relationship. Whether I come to the Lakers or not, me and Mitch would still be cool."

World Peace played four seasons in Los Angeles before he was released via the amnesty clause after the 2012-13 NBA season. He then signed with the New York Knicks, where he played just 29 games.

World Peace waited for offers following his stint with the Knicks, but he did not get a tempting deal. According to World Peace, they reached out to several teams for a possible deal, but they did not get what they are looking for because of his past issues.

"I could take anyone's spot if I really wanted to," World Peace added. "But there are other things my career has started off with controversy. Sometimes I wasn't great in the locker room. So there are questions I have to always answer."

World Peace was forced to play overseas, signing with professional clubs in China and Italy. Despite missing the 2014-15 NBA season, World Peace is still convinced that he is still one of the best small forwards and he is ready to make his comeback in the upcoming season.

"I'm still one of the best small forwards in the world so that's not a question," World Peace said when asked if he can still compete with the best players in the league. "But the question is can I actually fit into a team and can a coach coach me? Those are realistic questions and it's cool. I still train to be one of the best."

World Peace, who was the 16th overall pick of the Chicago Bulls in 1999, averaged 13.8 points on top of 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 15 seasons in the NBA.

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