With the Los Angeles Lakers well on their way to one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the future remains uncertain moving forward. Although Kobe Bryant is still under contract for two more years, there’s no telling if the team will be able to surround him with talent needed to win another championship.
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One player that has constantly been mentioned as a potential target for the Lakers is perennial All-Star Carmelo Anthony. It remains uncertain if Anthony will opt-out of his deal with the New York Knicks this summer, but if he does the Lakers will be an option in free agency.
Over the past few weeks, Anthony seems to be leaning toward remaining in New York. Talk of Anthony taking a pay cut to stay with the team has been circulating. Despite that being the case, the Lakers may still be in play if Anthony has had enough in New York by season’s end according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports:
New York is said to be Anthony’s top priority, with the Los Angeles Lakers supposedly in the running. Although, according to one GM, it’s hard to know if the Lakers are a real possibility or just wishful thinking on fan message boards.
If Anthony does opt-out of his deal with the Knicks this summer, he’ll be the most sought after free agent on the open market. Luol Deng and Kyle Lowry will also get plenty of offers from teams around the league, but Anthony will be the only potential game-changer.
Along with Anthony, a few other perennial All-Stars can also opt-out of their current deals. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will also have the opportunity to become unrestricted free agents, but few believe they will want to leave the Miami Heat.
The only member of the Heat’s big three that might decide to test the free agent waters is Bosh. The Lakers have also been linked to Bosh if he does decide become a free agent in July.
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