Metta World Peace, brother Daniel Artest at odds over Lakers, Spurs

The Lakers (45-37) start their first-round playoff matchup against the San Antonio Spurs (58-24) on Sunday, and that’s causing a rift between brothers.

Metta World Peace has a close relationship with his brother, Daniel Artest, but the two are divided by loyalties.

Artest, a 6-foot-5 power forward who has played in a number of leagues including the American Basketball Assn., is a die-hard Spurs fan.

“My brother’s not a friend right now,” said World Peace after the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, clinched the playoff berth against the Spurs. “I’m not talking to him.”

So the two will cut off all communication?

“Absolutely,” said World Peace.

Artest said he always pulls for his brother and the Lakers -- as long as they’re not playing the Spurs.

“We have the same birthday,” said World Peace who will turn 34 on Nov. 13; Artest will turn 31.

The Lakers defeated the Spurs on Sunday, 91-86. San Antonio took their matchups in November and January.

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Watch Metta World Peace talk about San Antonio [Video]

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.