NBA

Knicks’ Carmelo praises Dolan’s ‘loyalty’ after taping controversy

LONDON – Carmelo Anthony all but raised a glass of British ale to toast Knicks owner James Dolan.

One day after saying he was unaware Dolan had put audio microphones on the court but found it “funny,’’ Melo said he is happy the Knicks owner went to such extraordinary lengths.

Melo apparently had been debriefed on the reasonings – first reported by The Post in Tuesday’s editions. Dolan was trying to protect Anthony from a similar “he-said-she-said’’ incident after Celtics star Kevin Garnett got off scot-free and Melo was suspended one game for the confrontations.

“I got an owner who looks out for me,’’ Anthony said. “You can’t beat that. An owner trying to protect his players. That shows how much loyalty he has.’’

Mike Woodson would rather discuss anything else than the mikes Dolan ordered placed on the court to pick up Melo’s dialogue with opponents.

“I don’t really care about the mircrophone thing,’’ Woodson said. “I got better things to worry about.”

It was a trip down memory lane Wednesday when Anthony took the team bus to O2 arena. Melo was part of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team. He admitted it was such a great experience, he wished it would never end.

“I guess it’s the way we came together,’’ Anthony said. “When it was all said and done, it was kind of sad to break up and go back to your own teams and start the season against each other.’’ (Melo faced LeBron James in the season opener).

Anthony wasn’t on the court in the fourth quarter when James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul pulled out a close one vs. Spain in the gold medal game. But he was a vital bench player and key personality in the locker room.

“It’s good memories reliving that moment right now,’’ Anthony said. “How can I forget. It was a special time in my life, a special moment. To be back in this arena having a chance to play one last time back here in London in front of the fans who have been very gracious t o myself, I’m very excited about it.’’