Metta World Peace strips with Russell Brand

By Mark Medina

July 30, 2012 12 AM PT

*We will have a live chat at 2:30 p.m. to talk about the London Olympics, the Lakers and, of course, Dwight Howard!

Metta World Peace appeared on a talk show, so that means he took his clothes off.

It’s almost customary for the Lakers forward to do this. Even before he could sit down, World Peace famously walked onto the set of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” wearing only boxer briefs. So it should come as no surprise that World Peace swapped clothes with English comedian Russell Brand, host of “BrandX,” aired on FX Networks.

“Let’s change,” World Peace told Brand. “You take my jacket and you give me your shirt.”

The two then did just that, right in front of the audience. While hilarity ensued, World Peace showed off his ripped stomach, confirming that he remains in the same tip-top shape as when I saw him work out two weeks ago at UCLA. Then, World Peace said he weighed 255 pounds, after reporting to training camp last season 15 pounds heavier. On “BrandX,” that chiseled frame allowed him to wear a muscle shirt and vest with ease. Meanwhile, Brand took a liking to World Peace’s black T-shirt and jacket for reasons beyond fashion sense.

“You smell quite nice,” Brand said, effusive with compliments. “You’re gorgeous.” But: “You’re out of control, huh?”

“They say that. I don’t think so,” World Peace said. “I think I’m perfectly normal.”

Right. Last we checked, World Peace is the only athlete to voluntarily undress himself on forums beyond ESPN the Magazine’s “Body Issue.” It’s safe to say Brand would buy that issue.

“I’m not a homosexual,” he said to World Peace. “But congratulations on your physique.”

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