Carmelo Anthony says he wants to retire in New York

On Thursday, Carmelo Anthony told TNT that he’d like to retire in New York.

The All-Star, high-scoring forward is expected to hit free agency in July.

The Lakers project to have a significant amount of spending power next summer, with hopes of luring some of the top available free agents.

Anthony is technically under contract for the 2014-15 season, making $23.3 million -- but he previously indicated he would likely opt out a year early.

“I think a lot of people jumped the gun when I said I wanted to be a free agent,” said Anthony, according to ESPNNewYork.com. “I want people to come to play in New York. I want them to want to play in New York.”

The Lakers can offer Anthony up to $96 million over four years while the Knicks can give about $129.1 million over five years.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat can also opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.