So Dwight Howard is going to Houston. What does that mean for the Los Angeles Lakers looking forward to the 2013-2014 NBA season. To free up some cap space for a couple more off-season acquisitions, would the Lakers think about using their amnesty to cut Metta World Peace a.k.a. Ron Artest.

If they were to cut World Peace the Lakers could save upwards to $30 million in salary/luxury tax. If Artest were to stay on the roster he'd make $7.7 million in the last year of his contract.

According to Artest's father, World Peace might not return to the NBA if cut by the Lakers. Apparently Artest is considering retirement if released, citing not wanting to move his kids out of L.A. as a major factor.

Meanwhile, on the East coast, the New York Knicks officially shut the door on pursuing Elton Brand but new talks of signing Artest, if he in fact becomes a free agent. Though Artest has reportedly wanted to end his career as a Knick, Ron Artest Sr. gauges retirement as a more likely decision for his son.

"If the Lakers do amnesty him, he might want to retire," Former Twins catcher and long-time friend Jose Morales said of Artest. "If one of these small-market teams picks him up, he won't be happy with that. He doesn't want to play there."

The Lakers reached a 1-year deal with Clippers veteran center Chris Kaman. Though Gasol will probably get the start at center, the fact that the Lakers are boosting their big man presence bodes badly for Artest.