The Chicago Bulls are expected to waive Carmelo Anthony on Friday, and he will likely clear waivers and become a free agent. As of now, the Los Angeles Lakers remain among his most likely suitors.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Lakers remain a “real possibility” to sign Anthony once he clears waivers and the dust settles from next Thursday’s trade deadline.
Anthony is expected to clear waivers and will then have a better sense of a possible destination with league-wide roster movement post-trade deadline. The Lakers remain a real possibility for 'Melo beyond Thursday's deadline, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/6ySgYf3Nh8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2019
It was previously reported that the Lakers did not want to part ways with a guaranteed player in order to open up a roster spot for Anthony, so that could work itself out if the team makes a trade. The Lakers have been at the forefront of discussions involving Anthony Davis, though it’s unclear if the New Orleans Pelicans are motivated to move Davis prior to the deadline. If Los Angeles does not end up making a move, it may make adding Anthony to the roster more difficult.
While Anthony is clearly on the back end of his career and may not be able to contribute much at this point, you could argue he has the most important endorsement he needs for joining the Lakers. It would not be a surprise if that worked in his favor.
