The next chapter in Carmelo Anthony’s career could be in Los Angeles, with LeBron James reportedly interested in him signing with the team, according to Joe Vardon of the Athletic .
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Per Vardon’s report, James still 'believes Anthony can play’ and is confident he can be a 'contributor' on the 15-9 Lakers.
Anthony is still technically on the Rockets’ roster, but is not with the team or playing in games. He parted ways with the Rockets in November after playing in just 10 games, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.8% from three.
"LeBron James would like to get Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles with him on the Lakers, a league source told The Athletic.
... But James and his camp still believe Anthony can play, that there could be a place for him as a contributor on a Lakers' team that is young and continues to battle injuries. Brandon Ingram is the latest casualty. His sprained left ankle will keep him for at least the next two games.
And, broadly speaking, James does not want to see Anthony's career end either with the Houston divorce or the 10-time All-Star playing out the string in this season in a market where he doesn't want to be."
Last month James was asked by reporters about Carmelo potentially signing with the Lakers, with James not giving too much away, noting that the Lakers were currently carrying a full roster of 15 players.
“I have no idea, to be honest," James said. That’s not a question to ask me. Right now we have 15 roster spots right? We don’t even have a roster spot open right now. But that’s not a question for myself.”
As Marc Stein noted, the Lakers had an opportunity to sign Carmelo in the off-season, opting against the idea.
The Lakers, as an organization, came into the season staunchly against the idea of adding Carmelo Anthony. But that was before the Michael Beasley signing failed to pan out. Let's see where this goes after @joevardon's report … https://t.co/SblmL9HKhp
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 7, 2018
Anthony cannot be traded until December 15 after he signed a one-year veterans minimum deal in the off-season. Anthony can also receive a buyout from the Rockets and become a free agent
It is unclear what Carmelo’s role would look like in a Lakers uniform, but for a team desperate to add more shooting and veteran experience, he could provide added depth and serve as a mentor for the younger players.