All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony is interested in joining LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers later this offseason.
The 34-year-old Anthony who opted in on his one-year contract worth $27.9 million is currently working on an exit plan from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder will have three options to get rid of Anthony which includes trading him, buying him out, or utilizing the stretch provision on him.
Can Anthony Bounce Back?
Sources close to Anthony say that the 10-time All-Star has been considering the chance of playing with James in Los Angeles. Interestingly, Anthony also has a home in LA. The LA Lakers made a big splash in free agency when they inked LeBron James before signing Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Besides the LA Lakers, the Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat are also expected to make a run at Anthony who is coming off a terrible season. Anthony finished last season with 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Additionally, the Thunder accumulated a minus-14.3 net rating during the playoffs.
Anthony who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist has failed to find his all-star form with the Thunder finishing last season's playoffs with averages of 11.8 points per game while converting just .375 percent of his baskets from the field and .214 percent from the three-point area.
Aside from his struggles, Anthony was also unable to coexist with Russell Westbrook and Paul George in a Thunder uniform. He has also been involved in a word war with assistant coach Maurice Cheeks in Game 5 of the playoffs.
Signing Anthony Is A Valuable Addition
Regardless of his mediocre year last season, Anthony was still able to get a little bit of the spotlight as he hit a career-best of 169 three-pointers last season. NESN journalist Dakota Randall believes that Anthony's incredible shooting would compliment the drive-and-dish offense of James.
Nonetheless, Randall still has doubts on whether Anthony can accept being the second or third option with the LA Lakers. Anthony has clarified that he wouldn't take a bench role on a team. However, ClutchPoints Paolo Songco is positive that Anthony can improve in LA most especially since he is playing with James who is one of his best friends.
For the most part of his career, the spotlight has constantly been put on Anthony as seen on his 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists with the New York Knicks. Randall concluded that Anthony would be a perfect addition to the Boston Celtics.
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