The L.A. Lakers have exited the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes before they could even really kick off in earnest, according to the New York Post.
The Post added the Lakers reached their decision largely based on management's belief Anthony and Kobe Bryant would not be an effective tandem. Also, Jeanie Buss "not wanting to steal" the league's second top scorer from fiance and Phil Jackson was a factor.
Carmelo Anthony free agency rumors
Reportedly Anthony and his group of Creative Artists agents recently met at a Manhattan restaurant where they talked strategy and options available to him. Besides the Knicks, Anthony's biggest suitors are expected to include the Bulls, Rockets and Mavericks.
The most recent powwow comes on the heels of one Anthony had in late April with Jackson when it was then widely assumed that Steve Kerr would be the Knicks new coach going forward. Much has changed since then, namely Kerr's decision to spurn his mentor Jackson and the Knicks to take the same job in Golden State.
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Jackson's wish list in now rumored to be headed by Brian Shaw, currently under contract with Denver, and Derek Fisher, currently still in uniform with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As for Anthony, should the veteran forward decide to return to New York it is expected he will be forced to take a pay cut as part of a plan the Knicks hope will free up additional money to chase other top-tier players.
"I like to appeal to his better nature of winning,'' Jackson recently told reporters of Anthony. "There's some obvious examples that everyone can point to.''
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