Los Angeles Lakers

Goodbye forever, Ron Artest -- TMZ has learned, the Lakers star is now legally "Metta World Peace."

It became official less than five minutes ago -- when an L.A. judge finally granted Metta's name change petition ... more than three months after Mr. World Peace decided to undergo an identity switch.

Good thing there's an NBA lockout -- because now there's plenty of time for the Lakers to crank out some new jerseys. So Metta.

Ron Artest will remain Ron Artest for at least 3 more weeks, because a judge just ruled there will be no Metta World Peace until Ronnie clears up his outstanding traffic ticket warrants.

Ron's name change petition went before a judge this AM, but hizzoner said he would not grant Ron's request because Ron is a scofflaw.

Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson has been keeping himself busy in his retirement ... shopping, swimming and even following Kobe Bryant's church drama.

The zen master and his GF Jeannie Buss were leaving the Rochester BIg and Tall store in L.A. yesterday -- 'cause he's friggin' 6'8" -- when we asked if anyone has ever tried to sneak a photo of him in a private moment.

Kobe Bryant sent a strong message to the Lakers last week -- showing the team he isn't being reckless with his body during the NBA lockout ... by treating himself to a FABULOUS mani/pedi.

The injury-riddled superstar -- who's considering playing pro basketball in either Turkey or China this upcoming season -- rolled over to the Happy Nails salon in Newport Beach on August 2 ... where he got some serious attention on his shooting hand.

Kobe appeared to be real pleased with the final product ... admiring the ladies' handiwork from behind his over-sized sunglasses.

How cuticle.

Ron Artest enjoyed what could be his last weekend in Las Vegas as Ron Artest -- partying it up at at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas last night.

Ron Ron's trip wasn't all about clubbin' -- he hit up a Celine Dion show and tweeted how it made him and his boys cry. Street cred ... gone.

Outside the Staples Center in L.A. yesterday, Dyan confessed the type of brownies she makes for the guys: "The good kind. The kind that'll help the Lakers win today."

For the record, the Miami Heat cooked the Lakers' collective geese ... 98 - 80.

Piven shot alongside L.A. Lakers hero Rick Fox ... who missed all three of his attempts.

Just days after his teammate Ron Artest dropped his explosive single ... Pau -- aka The Singin' Spaniard -- hit a North Hollywood recording studio yesterday to bang out a song of his own called, "Get It Together."

Along with T-Pain, Ron Ron performed his new song "Champion." It was almost as good as the version Ron did on

Sitting courtside at the Lakers game, Tom Cruise said hello to both Chris Brown and Kobe Bryant last night.

Not pictured: Cuba Gooding Jr., probably seated in section 310.

St. Patrick's Day is the only day of the year when a Laker is allowed to wear Boston Celtics colors.

The 29-year-old stud is a baller.