Carmelo Anthony may be headed to the Los Angeles Lakers if friend and fellow 2003 NBA Draft selection LeBron James gets his way, reportedly. LeBron is said to believe Anthony still has something to offer a young team such as the Lakers, as first reported by Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
LeBron James would like to get Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles with him on the Lakers, a league source told The Athletic.
He can’t be traded until at least Dec. 15, and sources said there had been no request made by James to Lakers president Magic Johnson or general manager Rob Pelinka to make a deal for his friend. Nor would there be.
But James and his camp still believe Anthony can play, that there could be a place for him as a contributor on a Lakers’ team that is young and continues to battle injuries.
At least one anonymous NBA Executive has disagreed with James’ assessment of Carmelo’s value at this point in his career. When asked if Anthony had any real stock remaining around the league he responded by stating:
“Not really, no. If LeBron really wants him, it might not matter. (Lakers General Manager) Magic (Johnson) should fight him on it. I know I would.”
ESPN Senior Writer Ramona Shelburne also confirmed LeBron’s interest in Carmelo Anthony joining him in Los Angeles but made it clear he hasn’t requested management to make the move.
Can confirm this. Bron hasn't asked Lakers to sign Melo, and that he doesn't intend to. But if Rob/Magic decide that'd be good for the Lakers, the banana boat has been floated apparently. https://t.co/wGRWcSdEQk
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) December 7, 2018
Anthony is ineligible to be traded from the Rockets until December 15th, having joined the Rockets as a free agent this past offseason. If the Rockets were to waive Anthony, the Lakers do not have an open roster spot and would need to get rid of one of their current players to make room for him.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said earlier this week that he takes the blame for the Carmelo Anthony situation not working out this year. The Houston Rockets publicly announced their decision to part ways with Carmelo Anthony on November 15th, following Houston’s 6-7 start to the season, and Anthony not living up to expectations on the court.
