One department the Los Angeles Lakers need work in is defense and if things turn out well, a former defensive ace and Laker could provide the team with a big boost.

Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) is reportedly trying to get himself back into game shape and could be close to signing a one-year contract if he proves he still has the legs to compete with the younger players in the Lakers fold.

Peace is, of course, best remembered for his pesky and physical defense and considering the Lakers were one of the worst defensive teams last year, his addition could aid the philosophy that head coach Byron Scott is trying to preach.

Aside from playing on the defensive end, Peace is likely to mentor the forward line of the Lakers. That includes Julius Randle who will technically be making another debut, which will hopefully last more than a couple of minutes.

Remember that Randle did make his debut last year but all that was cut short when he broke his leg in the Lakers' season opener against the Houston Rockets.

Peace played for the Lakers from 2009–2013 before he was waived using the amnesty clause for salary budget reasons.

He did continue to play for the Knicks and then overseas but things just didn't work out for the temperamental 35-year-old veteran.

If he gets signed, he would be joining another aging star in the fold in Kobe Bryant. With a team composed mostly of younger players, the two could join hands mentoring and providing the needed experience that the Lakers will surely benefit from.

It remains to be seen, however, if a Peace return could help out the Lakers' cause. The Lakers are aiming to rebound in the NBA after two forgettable seasons that saw them end at the tail-end of the NBA.