LAS VEGAS — Ron Artest Sr. is hoping if his son, Metta World Peace, is waived today via the amnesty rule, he will attempt to finish his career with the Knicks.
Nevertheless, Artest Sr. said as of last night, World Peace is seriously considering retiring instead of finishing his NBA career in the Big Apple.
Artest Sr. told The Post his son’s strong preference is to remain with the Lakers and he may decide to end his career instead of signing with the Knicks, because he does not want to uproot his kids in Los Angeles.
According to an Orange County Register report, the Lakers intended to waive World Peace. Subsequent reports stated no decision had been made. Kobe Bryant took to twitter Monday night, stating the club should keep World Peace and try to win a title with what they have.
Earlier in the day, Artest Sr. said, “He wants to stay with the Lakers for a couple of more years but if not, he wants to finish his career in New York if he can. This would be full circle.
By last night, the son was having a change of heart, feeling retirement would be best.
“I know he said he doesn’t want to play with a team like Milwaukee or Minnesota,’’ Artest Sr. said.
The Knicks are in search of a defensive small forward off the free-agent market and World Peace is intriguing to them. The Queensbridge product would seek the $1.4 million veteran’s minimum, which is basically what the Knicks have to offer. (They also have the remaining $1.7 million left of their mini mid-level.)
Artest Sr. said he still was hoping his son doesn’t retire and comes home.
“Let’s hope and pray it happens,’’ Artest Sr. said.
In 1999, the Knicks infamously passed on the former Ron Artest with their first-round pick to select French center Frederic Weis. The Lakers would save a good deal in salary and luxury tax, as World Peace is scheduled to making $7.7 million in his final season.
The Knicks and Nets would not get first crack at World Peace; teams under the cap would be eligible to bid on him first.
* The Knicks worked out 37-year-old veteran swingman Raja Bell Monday at their practice facility. One of Mike D’Antoni’s favorites, Bell skipped the 2012-13 season. … With so many forward targets falling by the wayside, the Knicks have kept tabs of Hawks combo forward Anthony Tolliver, a good defender with 3-point range. But Tolliver is waiting on an offer from Atlanta.
* Iman Shumpert may only play the first three Summer League games. … The Sixers named former Garden president Scott O’Neil as CEO. O’Neil stepped down last summer from the Knicks and faces a rebuilding project in Philadelphia, as he did when he started at MSG.
“You’ll see good growth,’’ O’Neil said. “We have a lot of tickets to sell, the sponsorship base needs to be grown. It’s the early stage. The fun is in the growth.’’
Asked about working for James Dolan, O’Neil said, “I’d work for him again.’’