NBA Free Agency News 2013: Los Angeles Lakers Likely To Amnesty Metta World Peace To Avoid Harsher Tax Penalty; Planning To Bring in Odom and Kaman

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to use their amnesty clause on one of their stars to kick start their rebuilding effort following the departure of Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets, a league insider reported on Sunday.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers could amnesty Metta World Peace and his $7.7 million due for next season in an effort to save around $19 million in luxury tax penalty.

By using the amnesty on the mercurial small forward, the Lakers will lower their tax bill from $93 million to $85.3 million. On the other hand, the Lakers are setting themselves to pay $112 million (including tax) if they decide to keep World Peace.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak stressed that they are not going to use the amnesty clause on Pau Gasol, leaving World Peace the only player in the roster likely to be amnestied.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have reportedly contacted former Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom and Clippers center Chris Kaman.

Odom played last season with the Clippers, averaging 4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game. The 6-foot-10 Odom was an integral piece in the Lakers' back-to-back championship run before the team traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for draft picks.

Meanwhile, Kaman played one season for the Mavs. The former All-Star center averaged 10.5 points and 5.6 boards in a single season alongside Dirk Nowitzki.