Several weeks after the opening of the Free Agency, Carmelo Anthony, legend and rare satisfaction with the Lakers last season, is still looking for a team. The Purple and Gold reportedly discussed his case internally, and they made a cash decision.
As a whole, the Lakers’ season was catastrophic… While they were announced as favorites for the title, and they clearly assumed this ambition over the first months of competition, LeBron James and his teammates have not even managed to get a place in the play-in. Two years after the title won in the bubble, this failure is quite shameful for the Purple and Gold.
Several things can explain this tumble, the first being the fragile health of some. Anthony Davis is an exceptional player when he is at 100%, but since he won a ring, his body seems to let go little by little and he cannot play 50% of the matches. Then the integration of Russell Westbrook was painful, which is why his teammates including the King dream of seeing him leave…
Carmelo Anthony returning to the Lakers?!
In fact the satisfactions were quite rare last season, except perhaps Austin Reaves, who proved that he had a future in the league with his address and his defensive qualities. We can also add Carmelo Anthony, who has often responded in his trigger role. Besides, while he is free on the free agent market, the Lakers would have made a big decision about him.
Per source, the #Lakers have had productive talks towards bringing Carmelo Anthony back. However, there are still a couple of other teams in the mix.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) July 21, 2022
According to my sources, the Lakers had a productive trade to bring back Carmelo Anthony. Despite everything, several other teams remain in the dance.
With 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds on average for his first season with the Lakers, all at 44% shooting success, Carmelo Anthony lived up to expectations, which explains Rob Pelinka’s interest in him this summer. His only responsibility is to sanction the defenses on catch-and-shoot, something he will always be able to do despite the weight of the years. It remains to be seen how to fill his defensive gaps.
And that’s where the Lakers’ recruiting can be applauded. So no, the Purple and Gold have not succeeded in attracting big stars or confirmed role players at the highest level. But a youngster like Juan Toscano-Anderson has the potential to become a real defensive reference, and he will be able to take over from Melo when the opposition demands it.
Les Lakers wish rejuvenate the workforce, bring a little more physical qualities, but the return of Carmelo Anthony would also meet a need for experience and reliability at the highest level. The fans will probably not be against this extension.
