Report: Lakers are ‘most likely destination’ for Carmelo Anthony
The Los Angeles Lakers were expected to sign Carmelo Anthony last season after the 10-time All-Star was bought out following a trade, but they fell out of contention and never really had a need for him. Now that they have acquired another star player to pair with LeBron James, they could revisit that plan.
SNY’s Ian Begley lists Anthony among the potential veterans the New York Knicks could sign if they miss out on the marquee free agents, but he says multiple NBA executives expect Carmelo to wind up with the Lakers. Anthony is said to have interest in returning to the Knicks despite the way his time there ended, but he is also close friends with LeBron and could potentially contend for his first title in LA.
Anthony averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 10 games with the Houston Rockets last season. He recently turned 35 and is nowhere near the player he used to be, but he could provide a team like the Lakers with a valuable shooter and veteran presence off the bench. If the birthday tribute his wife had for him back in May is any indication, Carmelo believes he has plenty left in the tank.