PHOTO: Metta World Peace to wear panda shoes

In case you haven't heard, the player formerly known as Ron Artest and Metta World Peace is now named "The Pandas Friend."

The change is no doubt influenced by his decision to play in the Chinese Basketball Association next season, but as he is wont to do, "The Pandas Friend" isn't just stopping at changing his name. He's also changing his kicks, according to Courtside Access.

Here's his new shoe in black:

And again in white:

So why two colors? Because "The Pandas Friend" intends on detaching the head (yes, it's a detachable shoe) before every game, and tossing it into the crowd. In his own words:

... before every game, I will be wearing the white or black shoes. The top part of the shoe has a panda on it ... it is removable. I will be throwing it to a friend in the crowd. The person who catches it will be the Panda’s Friend of the day

[H/T Eye on Basketball]