Lakers Rumors: Ranking Each Superstar’s Chance of Landing in LA
By Jason Reed
6. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony may not be the first guy that comes to mind when you think of targets for the Los Angeles Lakers, but he most likely is on the front office’s radar. We previously discussed why Anthony should become a target for the Lakers, switching from the orange and blue in New York to the Purple and Gold in Los Angeles.
Anthony has been shopped around by Phil Jackson and company practically the entire 2016-17 season. First, there was a rumor in place that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Knicks would swap Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony. Then, the Clippers were reportedly interested in bringing in Anthony to play alongside his friend Chris Paul.
Now, without a logical destination and his foot half way out the door, the Lakers may seem more and more like an option. Phil Jackson would likely take a package included Luol Deng and some future picks, maybe the Rockets first round this season and the two second round picks the Lakers hold next year.
While Anthony on the Lakers would be interesting, it is not that logical for the team. Anthony is a vacuum for the ball as he averages the tenth most shots per game. Of those ten players, only Russell Westbrook, who shoots the most per game, has a worse field goal percentage.
Add in the fact that the Lakers would either need to wait another season to sign him to a massive contract as a free agent, or take on his $27 million contract this year, and this partnership seems far-fetched at best.
Chance of landing in LA: 5%