Jojo Doria

The NBA handed Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace a seven-game suspension for an elbow to the head of James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The play involving the former Ron Artest took place during the Lakers double-overtime win.

"The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement. "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations."

World Peace is averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 39.4 percent shooting, but had picked up his play of late in nearly doubling his scoring average.

He will miss the team's regular season finale vs. the Sacramento Kings and the penalty will carry over into the playoffs.

The Lakers will be thin at the forward spot heading into the postseason as Matt Barnes and Devin Ebanks are injured.

 

Thunder guard James Harden listed as day-to-day

Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden has been listed as day-to-day and will be re-evaluated after taking an elbow to the side of his head from Metta World Peace during a game Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Harden is expected to miss the Thunder's final two regular-season games, but their main concern is getting their star sixth man back for the playoffs.

Harden was struck in the head early in the second quarter of Sunday's game when World Peace celebrated a dunk by wildly swinging his elbows into Harden's head.

Harden stayed down on the court for a few minutes and later went to the locker room and did not return.

Harden will be required to pass a series of tests under the NBA's concussion policy before being cleared to return.

 

NBA Metes 7-game Suspension to Lakers' Metta World Peace