Carmelo Anthony is reportedly set to join LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers. While the 34-year old is still on the books of the Houston Rockets, the veteran is free to sign for any NBA team after being released last month.
A long-time friend of James, Anthony is expected to now join LeBron in Los Angeles as the Lakers attempt to end their five-year absence from the playoffs.
Having signed a one-year, $2.4 million deal with the Rockets in August, just 10 games later and Houston took the decision to release Anthony.
Now, with his career coming to an end, the 10-time All-Star is believed to be open to the idea of taking on a reduced role in California in a bid to finally get his hands on a championship ring before walking away from the game.
During his time in Texas, Carmelo averaged a career-low 13.4 points, 0.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Those figures shouldn't take away from his overall career stats of 24 points, 3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds during an 16-season career that has seen him play for four teams—not to mention three Olympic gold medals with Team USA, two of them won playing alongside LeBron.
Those figures shouldn't take away from his overall career stats of 24 points, 3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds during an 16-season career that has seen him play for four teams—not to mention three Olympic gold medals with Team USA, two of them won playing alongside LeBron.
That said, three NBA franchises have felt Anthony is past his best over the last couple of years, and there can be no denying the fact that the forward is nowhere near the player he was five years ago.
But, while he would struggle to find a starting role in any team in the NBA right now, that's not to say the likes of the Lakers wouldn't be able to use Anthony is some way or another. For LA, things are looking brighter than they have for years.
But, while he would struggle to find a starting role in any team in the NBA right now, that's not to say the likes of the Lakers wouldn't be able to use Anthony is some way or another. For LA, things are looking brighter than they have for years.
Currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference, a +2000 to win the championship with the latest NBA betting on bet365, and being led by LeBron playing some of the best ball of his career, the Lakers are in a great position at this point in the year.
The addition of a player of Anthony's caliber, even at this stage of his career, could well prove the difference between success and failure.
There's no doubt that at this stage in his career, Anthony is playing to win a championship ring, something that has eluded him throughout his career. While the Lakers would present him with a chance of achieving that, there are other teams that could deliver Anthony his goal.
The Portland Trail Blazers are another team credited with an interest in the New Yorker, currently well positioned in the Western Conference and within a decent chance of making the playoffs.
The Miami Heat are another team believed to be monitoring Carmelo's situation, with the presence of Dwayne Wade and the prospect of a starting role both very appealing.
The Miami Heat are another team believed to be monitoring Carmelo's situation, with the presence of Dwayne Wade and the prospect of a starting role both very appealing.
Whatever the future holds for Anthony, it's hard to argue he hasn't been one of the most consistent players in the league for over a decade. But, despite his achievements, it still feels as though he hasn't ever reached his full potential.
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