Metta World Peace will be back in a purple and gold uniform and will reunite with Kobe Bryant in the 2015-16 NBA season after signing a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers announced on Thursday that World Peace agreed to deal that will pave the way for his return to the league after playing overseas last season. Multiple reports confirmed that the veteran forward signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal for the upcoming season.

World Peace, who played in China and Italy after failing to secure an NBA deal before the 2014-15 season, will be reunited with Kobe Bryant, who will likely retire after next season.

World Peace and Bryant played four seasons together before the former was released by the Lakers via the amnesty clause. They won an NBA title during the 2009-10 NBA season, when World Peace averaged 11.0 points to go along with 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists for the Lakers.

The 35-year-old veteran, formerly known as Ron Artest, is expected to become an additional presence inside their locker room who will help Bryant lead their young roster composed of promising prospects like sophomores Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, and 2015 second overall pick D'Angelo Russell.

According to Yahoo Sports, Randle has been working out with World Peace over the past several weeks. Based on his experience, Randle saw similarities between Bryant and World Peace, which he thinks will help him in the long run.

"I played one on one against Kobe in the preseason last year, and you'd play perfect defense against him; you can guess right on everything and it still doesn't matter. He's still going to make the shot," Randle said. "Metta is the same way. He's going to guess everything right. He disrupts your rhythm."

World Peace has been eyeing a return to the league after his stints in China and Italy. Earlier this month, the 15-year veteran, who last played in the league for the New York Knicks during the 2013-14 season, said that he can still contribute to any team. He believes he is still one of the best forwards in the league.

"I'm still one of the best small forwards in the world so that's not a question," World Peace told New York Daily News. "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."

Related