Return to Knicks, Nuggets could be among options for Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony’s future remains uncertain. The Los Angeles Lakers, who are still working on building a roster, seem to be focused on adding younger players. They haven’t re-signed him or any of their other free agents.
Anthony was a solid contributor for the Lakers last season, averaging 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 26 minutes over 69 games (three starts). He shot 44.1 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Anthony’s impressive resume includes 10 NBA All-Star Games, selection to the All-NBA team six times and selection to the league’s 75th Anniversary Team. Anthony was the focal point of the offense for most of his career with the Nuggets and Knicks. He has transitioned to a supporting role.
Where will Anthony go if he leaves Hollywood? ESPN analyst Bobby Marks predicts Anthony will return to the Knicks.
“Anthony can still help the Lakers, but there is a clear emphasis on younger players off the bench. New York has two open roster spots and possibly more if a Donovan Mitchell trade occurs. A return to his former team is Anthony’s best option,” Marks wrote recently.
Another of Anthony's former teams might be after him as well. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reported Friday that the Nuggets could be looking at a reunion with Anthony.
Anthony established himself as a star during his eight years with the Nuggets, averaging 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 36.4 minutes over 564 games.
Analyst urges Lakers to re-sign Anthony
Another NBA analyst recently urged the Lakers to run it back with Carmelo Anthony. On Aug. 7, Cuffs The Legend, host of the “Some Dude Show” tweeted that the Lakers should re-sign Anthony.
Anthony got off to a hot start with the Lakers, putting up 16.7 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and 52.2 percent from beyond the arc in October. However, he cooled as the season progressed, particularly when the Lakers relied on him to play a larger role when injuries hit the roster.
In the spring, Dave McMenamin of ESPN talked to Anthony about his experience with the Lakers.
“This was another chapter for me. I can say I’ve experienced it. ... I can finally check the box — played with Bron. Played with AD. We had, on paper — we were phenomenal on paper. Me, personally, I had a good year, personally. Just as far as happiness and being able to go out there and compete and being able to do my part, play my part on this team. There were good days, there were bad days, but we got through it, and I got through it.”
The 38-year-old scored at least 20 points 11 games last season, proving he can still be a talented scorer off the bench. Anthony has averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 34.5 minutes over 1,260 career games with the Nuggets, Knicks, Thunder, Rockets, Trail Blazers and Lakers.
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