LAS VEGAS — Carmelo Anthony took to social media on Friday to denounce the violence that has divided the country and prod his fellow athletes to speak up and try to help in any way they can.

In addressing the media Tuesday night, NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised the Knicks’ star for his efforts.

“I am absolutely in favor of players speaking out and speaking from the heart about whatever issues are important to them. It’s how this country operates,’’ Silver said after the NBA’s Board of Governors meeting. “I’ve had this direct conversation with many of our players.

“I’m not one to say they have an obligation to do it, but I think those who feel comfortable doing it and want to speak out, they have this incredible forum to do it, whether it’s in a formal way through media members who are in this room or whether it’s through social media. I actually think it demonstrates that these are multidimensional people. They live in this society, and they have strong views about how things should be. So I’m very encouraging of that.”

After two young black men died at the hands of police, and then a crazed shooter killed five policemen, the events in Baton Rouge, Falcon Heights (Minn.) and Dallas raised racial tensions.

“I think one of the great things about sports is it does bring people together,’’ said Silver. “Without going too long on this, I think part of the fundamental issue is trust, and I think maybe using basketball, using this platform, we can get people having a very healthy dialogue on these issues.”

That’s exactly what Anthony stated when he took to Instagram to say “the system is broken,” and plead with his peers to go to local leaders and politicians.

“I’m calling for all my fellow ATHLETES to step up and take charge,’’ Anthony posted. “Go to your local officials, leaders, congressman, assemblymen/assemblywoman and demand change. There’s NO more sitting back and being afraid of tackling and addressing political issues anymore.

“Those days are long gone. We have to step up and take charge. We can’t worry about what endorsements we gonna lose or whose going to look at us crazy. I need your voices to be heard. We can demand change. We just have to be willing to. THE TIME IS NOW. IM all in. Take Charge. Take Action. DEMAND CHANGE.”

Silver did say also add that he’d prefer NBA and WNBA players adhere to the league uniform policy, admitting “it’s a slippery slope.” After Minnesota Lynx players wore shirts supporting Black Lives Matter, several off-duty police working the game left in protest.