Carmelo Anthony Made a Tough Sacrifice in Order to Compete for an NBA title with LeBron James and the Lakers
Since the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook, the team remains one of the busiest franchises this offseason. The latest move featured the Lakers agreeing to a one-year deal with Carmelo Anthony. The future Hall of Famer’s decision came with a personal sacrifice for the chance to vie for an NBA title next to LeBron James.
Carmelo Anthony reignites his career with the Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers resurrected Anthony‘s career by providing him a chance to fill a bench role.
The 10-time All-Star fully accepted the new spot, excelling as a dependable scoring option for the Blazers over the last two years. In 69 games played last season, he started three games while averaging 13.4 points in 24.5 minutes per contest while hitting at a 40.9% clip from 3-point range on 4.7 attempts from deep per game.
Anthony demonstrated the ability to remain an effective scoring factor off the bench in his 18th campaign. It marked the first time in his career he started fewer than 40 games in any season. As he heads into his first year with the Lakers, it came after turning down a special opportunity.
Carmelo Anthony made a tough sacrifice in order to compete for an NBA title with LeBron James and the Lakers
Carmelo Anthony entered this offseason with the opportunity to dictate the next chapter of his career.
Before he chose to sign with the Lakers, he held the chance to return for a second stint to play for the New York Knicks. However, the 10-time All-Star elected to ink a one-year deal at the veteran’s minimum to join forces alongside his close friend.
Anthony will likely come off the bench in a limited role in his 19th season, providing much-needed scoring the Lakers lacked last year with the second unit. The team does take a hit defensively, but the 37-year-old offers a dependable scoring option that is an efficient factor from beyond the arc, especially after hitting 40.9% last season.
Anthony had a decorated career that will land him in the Hall of Fame, but he’s struggled to find consistent playoff success. In his 13 postseason trips, he’s played in the conference finals once and has yet to reach the NBA Finals. The Lakers offer him a chance to achieve playoff success he hasn’t experienced before.
The move also pairs him alongside Russell Westbrook again as the two played together for one season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ultimately, there are plenty of benefits from the signings that could work well for both sides.
Los Angeles focused toward building an NBA title contender
Anthony’s addition marks the Lakers‘ notable roster moves to shape the team around its star power.
The front office continues to operate in free agency behind bringing aboard shooting and versatile defenders. Los Angeles has already agreed to contracts with a flurry of veteran talent such as Anthony, Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk, and Kent Bazemore.
The team holds several roster spots to fill while still possessing a $5.9 million mid-level expectation. The Lakers could also find a way to acquire more talent through a sign-and-trade scenario involving Dennis Schroder. It remains a fluid situation that can allow the team to add more talent.
The front office’s concerted effort this offseason in free agency has quieted down much of the noise concerning Westbrook’s fit, given his contrasting playing style to James. Despite that, many have already pegged the Lakers as the NBA title favorites in the Western Conference.
As free agency rolls along, Los Angeles will garner a clear idea of the roster for the 2021-22 season.
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