Let the haters hate, but Metta World Peace is all about the Lakers honoring their In-Season Tournament win with a banner ... telling TMZ Sports the accomplishment now gives L.A. bragging rights over the Boston Celtics!!
The Purple and Gold are reportedly hanging a memento in the Crypto.com Arena rafters to commemorate their recent title ... which was met with mixed reviews, considering the tourney doesnt hold nearly as much weight as winning the Finals.
We spoke with Metta -- a 2010 NBA champ -- about the move ... and he tells us hes a big fan!!
MWP explains he thinks being the first-ever IST MVP means a lot for LeBron James legacy ... and while he still considers himself a Michael Jordan stan, he praised the King for maintaining his dominance at 38 years old.
In fact, Metta says he sees LeBron playing at least 25 seasons ... which should earn him George Washingtons spot on the quarter!!
As for the banner, Metta says Laker fans can now rub it in their hated rivals faces ... as theyre the first franchise to raise an 18th banner!!