NBA

Melo wants to stay, but fuels Lakers talk

BALTIMORE — Carmelo Anthony clarified that just because he wants to experience free agency this summer, it does not mean he wants to bolt New York.

“I don’t want to go anywhere,’’ Anthony said Thursday before scoring 22 points in a 98-89 preseason victory over the Wizards at Baltimore Arena in his return to his hometown.

However, he gave hints if there was another team to consider, the Lakers would be the franchise.

Speaking after the morning shootaround at Baltimore Arena in his return to his hometown, Anthony said of the Lakers chatter, “What other team would they say? I don’t think they’d say another team. That’s the only team they’d possibly say.’’

Then he quickly added, “I’m in New York. This is not something I want to keep going on. At the end of day, I don’t want to go anywhere. But when that time comes, I’ll deal with that situation.’’

Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Anthony has to concentrate on this season and not his free agency.

“If he is going to test it, he’s got to test it,” Woodson said. “But at this point, he’s got to worry about this season and this season only. That’s what’s staring him in the face today.’’

In essence, Anthony didn’t back down from comments he said he made on Sept. 11 he wants the free-agent experience next July. It would be the first time in his career he would be a free agent.

The Lakers will have massive cap space, however they may not have enough to offer max deals to both Melo and LeBron James, who has an opt-out, too.

Anthony can opt out of his contract after the season and made it clear he has no interest in signing a contract extension in February when the Knicks can offer one. Anthony was quoted in the New York Observer Wednesday he “wants to be a free agent,’’ adding he would like a chance to “evaluate.’’ Translation: He wouldn’t mind being wined and dined by the Lakers in Los Angeles.

“This is something when that time comes, I’ll definitely explore,’’ Anthony said. “Does that mean I’m not coming back to New York? Not at all. But it’s definitely an opportunity I’m willing to explore and experience. That not whatsoever means I’m not coming back to New York or I don’t want to be in New York. I don’t want anyone to get that impression of what that story was. That question came different than what everyone is reading.’’

Indeed, it seems Anthony is heavily leaning toward staying with the Knicks, but if they take a severe step back this season, all bets are off. Woodson himself said he realizes the allure of the Lakers.

“The Lakers franchise is totally different from any other franchise — them and the Celtics based on history and what they’ve done,’’ Woodson said. “Hell, if I was a Laker, I don’t know if I’d ever left the Lakers because of what they’ve done over the years, but it has changed. Players are always looking for something better — just a sign of the times. It’s different.’’

Woodson can’t imagine Anthony saying goodbye to the Big Apple, though.

“If you ask me, absolutely [he’ll stay],’’ Woodson said. “ I don’t see him leaving. That’s my thought. Got to keep him in a Knick uniform.’’

The Knicks can pay Anthony about $33 million more on a long-term deal than the Lakers and other clubs under collective bargaining agreement rules. The Knicks are the only club that can offer him a five-year deal, worth approximately $129 million. Other clubs can only go four years.

Anthony said his comments were the result of never having been a free agent. He forced a sign-and-extend trade out of Denver in February 2011 before reaching free agency.

“It came from going through that experience of never having that before,’’ Anthony said. “As a player guys would like to explore that. Guys would like to have that situation to see what it’s about. Me leaving never came across my mind. But it’s an experience I want to experience.’’

Anthony admitted some regret he didn’t restructure past contracts to have him become a free agent during the 2010 bonanza when James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh hooked up in Miami. They all can opt out again this summer. Anthony preferred not to go into the 2011 lockout as a free agent because of all of the uncertainty.

“That time has past now,’’ Anthony said. “When that time came before, I wasn’t up to date on the situation on the CBA. The guys that did become free agents at that time [in 2010], they joke when I see them. ‘Remember that time when we told you to take a three-year deal and not five-year deal?’ For the most part, I’m not thinking about leaving. It’s just something I want to experience.’’