NBA Rumors: Lakers To Amnesty Metta World Peace, Move To Knicks Possible

Amid growing rumors the Los Angeles Lakers plan to release him via the amnesty clause, native son Metta World Peace is said to eyeing New York and the Knicks as a potential landing place.

The Lakers can’t make their intentions official until July 10, but if all the speculation proves true, World Peace is hoping to be able to quickly strike a deal with the Knicks.

"If the Lakers amnesty him, he's going to have a point to prove that he can still be that player in New York," Jose Morales, World Peace’s longtime friend and head of his foundation told ESPN.  "If one of these small-market teams picks him up, he won't be happy with that. He doesn't want to play there."

With the Knicks actually in the market for a small forward to start opposite Carmelo Anthony, World Peace is thought to be a perfect fit in the way he is able to stretch the court on offense and defend at the other end of the floor.

Whatever he decides to do, Morales told ESPN money will not be a factor in what World Peace does.

"Whatever he makes next is an added bonus," he said. "Playing with a team that has a chance with the championship would be even better. He loves the Knicks."

Even if he is amnestied, World Peace is owed $7.7 million from the Lakers through the 2013-14 season. Late Monday, Kobe Bryant took to Twitter to express his support for World Peace.

"Personally I'd keep Metta and make a run with the unit we have and just add a few pieces #keepthepeace #lakersstilldeciding," Bryant tweeted.

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