LOS ANGELES — Carmelo Anthony dismissed Amar’e Stoudemire’s theory the Knicks’ troubles stem from a lack of ball movement, saying the big man is barking up the wrong tree.

After each of the last three games — all losses — Stoudemire has stated a lack of ball movement has led to the Knicks’ 3-10 start as they enter Wednesday’s game against the Clippers at Staples Center.

Of course, the implication is the culprits are Anthony and J.R. Smith, both of whom have reputations for playing too much isolation ball. Anthony instead claimed the Knicks have stunk out the court on the other end.

“It’s just defense at this point,’’ Anthony said. “The easiest thing to do is try to point fingers and trying to figure out what’s going on — [like] ball movement. At the end of the day it’s defense, we’re not guarding anybody.”

The lack of moving the ball has been a staple of Stoudemire’s rhetoric since Anthony got to town. And Anthony isn’t surprised fans think Stoudemire is pointing the finger at him. Iman Shumpert also talked about “the ball sticking’’ after the Portland loss Monday.

“It’s easy to do because at the end of the day, I have the ball most of the offense,’’ Anthony said. “When you hear that, where it’s coming from, why is it being said, the real reason we’re not winning is we’re not defending. We’re not believing or trusting in one another on the defensive end.’’

Stoudemire’s point is valid in that the Knicks are last in the NBA in assists, are averaging nearly seven points less a game than last season (100.0-93.2) and are scoring 7 points less on 3-pointers than last season. Stoudemire said Monday the team isn’t having “fun’’ because the ball isn’t being passed.

But the Knicks’ defensive field-goal percentage is also abysmal, ranked 25th in the NBA. Coach Mike Woodson wants them focusing on defense and also disputed Stoudemire’s share-the-ball thesis.

“I’m not going there with you on that,’’ Woodson said. “Melo’s having another solid season. Melo’s doing what he’s supposed to do. Everybody else has to do what they have to do. Nobody’s shooting the ball extremely well. But everybody’s getting shots.’’

This is the first time the Knicks have started a season 3-10 since the 2009-10 season, when they had broken down the team to get ready for LeBron James’ free agency. They finished in the lottery with a 29-53 record. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only 58 of 325 teams that started 3-10 have made the playoffs (17.8 percent).

Only 17 of those playoff teams got out of the first round (5 percent). The difference this season is the historically bad start for the entire Atlantic Division.

The first-place Raptors (6-7 entering Tuesday) lead the Knicks by just three games. The division winner earns the fourth seed at worst. … After Wednesday’s game, the Knicks will spend Thursday in Los Angeles to have Thanksgiving before flying to Denver. Anthony has a place in L.A. but isn’t inviting teammates because “there’s no one there to cook.’’