Lakers: Ranking which superstars will join LA in 2018 after Melo trade

4. Carmelo Anthony

In a weird, backward way, Carmelo Anthony being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder actually helps the Lakers more than anyone. Los Angeles, who may be interested in the other two stars in OKC, can now see how the duo would play alongside another star forward. This is good because, of course, LeBron James becoming a Laker has been the hottest talk of the offseason.

However, this does not mean that the Lakers should take any interest in Carmelo himself. We all know that Melo is a good friend of LeBron, so the chances of him taking a pay cut to join his friend in pursuit of his first title seems logical.

Except, it isn’t. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say that the Los Angeles Lakers are better off without Melo, instead, they must build up the star power of Brandon Ingram.

Ingram is already going to be in an interesting position alongside James. Magic Johnson has deemed Ingram as untouchable and the Lakers seem to be building around him and Lonzo Ball. Adding another star forward, who likely won’t take a bench role, will do nothing but impede Ingram.

Plus, if Ingram progresses at the rate he should and Melo continues his downhill slide, Ingram very well could be the better player in two years. Melo has dropped to 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Anthony is beginning to replicate his numbers when he first came into the league, and quite frankly, the Lakers don’t need that.

However, the chance will always still be there that the Lakers do go out on a limb and sign Melo if he does agree to a ridiculously low contract.

Chance of joining LA in 2018: 10%