What ‘Dancing with the Stars’ alum is changing name to ‘The Pandas Friend’?

The following story probably will surprise no one and everyone at the same time. The man originally known as Ron Artest has stirred the pot already when it comes to names, and he’s doing so again here with one that may have your jaw on the floor: “The Pandas Friend.”

So what in the world is going on here? Basically, Artest (who has gone by Metta World Peace for the past few years) is looking to change the name to go along with his move to China. The former Los Angeles Lakers star has signed a deal to play with the Sichuan Blue Whales overseas, and this is a good way in his eyes to appeal himself to Chinese fans. He is a master marketer, and this is one of the biggest markets in the world. Plus, the sports landscape is such where he could play overseas here and be a star, while he could be limited to more of a reverse role in America.

Let’s just hope that this goes better than his jaunt on “Dancing with the Stars,” where he barely lasted on the show at all before his elimination. If nothing else, we’ll at least get some entertainment out of this and also speculating on what he will change his name to next. Basically, this guy deliberately gives himself names that celebrities would give their babies to “stand out.” He’s breaking the mold in that regard!

What do you think about the name: Silly, funny, or a little bit of both? Share your thoughts now with a comment, and head over to this link in the event you want some further news related to the ABC ballroom competition itself.

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Photo: ABC