Carmelo Anthony reportedly joins LeBron James, agrees to one-year deal with Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are turning back the clock. The team added yet another star from the 2003 NBA draft to its roster Tuesday, reportedly agreeing to a deal with forward Carmelo Anthony, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The deal is reportedly for one season. Anthony confirmed the news on Twitter:
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) August 3, 2021
Anthony, 37, spent the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. He mostly came off the bench for Portland last year, but still averaged 13.4 points in 24.5 minutes per game.
Anthony should take on a similar role for the Lakers next season.
Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James finally get to play together
Rumors and speculation have existed for years regarding Anthony and James playing together. Anthony was part of the 2008 Olympic men's basketball team that won a gold medal in Beijing. That team was instrumental to James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade playing together on the Miami Heat years later.
Anthony's contract never lined up, and his career traveled a different path. Despite that, Anthony and James have remained close, and James has openly expressed a desire to play with Anthony.
LeBron in 2016: "I really hope that, before our career is over, we can all play together. At least one, maybe one or two seasons—me, Melo, D-Wade, CP—we can get a year in. I would actually take a pay cut to do that." https://t.co/eKLa4qBXKO
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) August 3, 2021
After losing in the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers are hoping to make another championship run next season. If James and Anthony Davis can stay healthy, and Russell Westbrook can put up his usual numbers, there's a chance Anthony finally wins a ring before he calls it a career.
The Lakers also agreed to a deal with free agent sharpshooter Malik Monk, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
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