NBA

Carmelo should ‘worry about this season’

BALTIMORE – Carmelo Anthony tried to clarify Thursday that just because he wants to experience free agency does not mean he wants to bolt New York.

“I don’t want to go anywhere,’’ he said.

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

“If he is going to test it, he’s got to test it,” Woodson said sharply. “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.’’

On Thursday, Anthony didn’t back down from comments he made to the New York Observer that he wants the free-agent experience this July. It would be the first time in his career he would enter free agency.

Anthony can opt out of his contract after the season, and has no interest in signing a contract extension in February, when the Knicks can first offer one. He said he is not surprised speculation has centered around the Lakers, who will have massive cap space. Heat star LeBron James also has an opt-out this summer, and the Lakers could have space to sign both of them.

Speaking after the morning shootaround at Baltimore Arena, where the Knicks play a preseason game Thursday night with the Wizards in his hometown, Anthony indicated the Lakers might be the only club that makes sense.

“What other team would they say?’’ Anthony said. “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.’’

Anthony was quoted as saying he “wants to be a free agent’’, adding he’d like a chance to “evaluate.’’ Translation: He wouldn’t mind being wined and dined by the Lakers.

“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. The Knicks can offer a five-year deal worth approximately $129 million, and competing teams only can go up to four years at about $96 million — a difference of about $35 million.

Woodson said even he understands the allure of the Lakers.

“The Lakers franchise is totally different from any other franchise — them and the Celtics are based on history — and what they’ve done,” Woodson said. “Hell, if I was a Laker, I don’t know if I’d ever [have] 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), I don’t see him leaving,’’ Woodson said. “That’s my thought. Gotta keep him in a Knick uniform.’’

Anthony said his comments to the Observer were motivated by never having been a free agent. He forced a sign-and-extend trade in February 2011 — going from the Nuggets to the Knicks — 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 become a free agent during the 2010 bonanza when LeBron 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 its uncertainties.

“That time has passed 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, they joke when I see them: ‘Remember that time when we told you to take a three-year deal and not a five-year deal?’ For the most part, I’m not thinking about leaving. It’s just something I want to experience.’’

Meanwhile, Anthony said it is “a dream come true’’ to play his first NBA game in Baltimore in an arena he has never played in, but where he has attended many concerts and shows.