Metta World Peace's father and friend say the forward, formerly known as Ron Artest, may consider playing with the Knicks if he is released by the Lakers, according to reports.

On July 8, Orange County Register reporter Kevin Ding tweeted the news of Peace's potential departure from the NBA team. The reporter said Lakers executives were looking for financial relief and would start by shedding Peace's salary as part of their amnesty clause.

An article written Wednesday by the New York Post cited the NBA forward's father, Ron Artest Sr., saying that while Peace would rather stay in Los Angeles and not uproot his children from the area, he may be open to playing with the Knicks.

"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," Artest Sr. said. "This would be full circle."

Peace's associate Jose Morales, who works for Artest Sr.'s charity The Artest Foundation, said Peace still has a lot of basketball to play in the league, even if it's not with the Lakers.

"If the Lakers amnesty him, he's going to have a point to prove that he can still be that player in New York," Morales told ESPN, in an article published Tuesday.

Peace will receive $7.7 million from the Lakers during the 2013-2014 season if the team uses the amnesty clause to release him.

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

Peace is also said to be pondering retirement if he can't play in Los Angeles next season.

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