Metta World Peace on Mental Health, Pick Up Basketball & NBA in China

Metta World Peace is one of my favorite interviews I've done! He's a leading advocate for mental health.

Metta says being honest about this issue can save lives.

"You want to be vulnerable, the more you speak out and feel comfortable with yourself, the more you're going to help someone else."

He says he's seen 20-25 doctors since starting treatment at age 13.

"Yes, I am a little crazy. If anyone grew up like I grew up, maybe they'd be a little crazy too. I started to accept it & started to improve myself..."

His advice to others? "Don't feel embarrased. Anytime you're empowering yourself, that's a powerful thing."

Metta is one of the founders of a new venture called Xvsxsports. It's a soon to be released app that will help you identify "pick up" basketball courts.

Using the app, players can join officiated games & have a chance to play with celebs & NBA stars like Metta.

As for the professional game, Metta is picking the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA title this season. The last time they won a title, he was on the team.

He even taught me a move or two on the basketball court during this extended interview.

World Peace also weighed in on the NBA/China dispute and stressed the importance of supporting free speech.

"The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson" is California's only primetime political show. It airs Fridays at 10:30pm on Fox 11 Los Angeles & Sundays at 5:30am on KTVU Fox 2.