The rumors surrounding Carmelo Anthony’s pending free agent decision kicked into high gear on Saturday with talk of the Los Angeles Lakers becoming a serious contender for his services.
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If the Lakers are able to land Carmelo in free agency, expect another big-name free agent to follow soon after, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne:
Pau Gasol has emerged as a key selling point for LA as sources believe he would quickly re-sign if they are able to land Anthony or James.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2014
The consensus heading into NBA free agency was that Pau Gasol was headed elsewhere. A lot of uncertainty surrounded the future of the Lakers franchise with little hope of contending over the next few years leading many to believe Gasol had played his last game in purple and gold.
Title-contending teams appear to be Gasol’s focus if things don’t improve in Los Angeles, according to Shelburne:
If Lakers don't land Melo or LeBron, Gasol is considering contenders, but I still wouldn't count LA out as they can offer most $$
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 6, 2014
Although Kobe Bryant is said to be back to 100 percent and will be ready for the start of next season, no one knows how much he’ll have left in the tank or even if he’ll be anywhere near the same kind of dominant player.
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Fortunately, the Lakers seem to be in a good position with Carmelo at this point with a real shot at signing the superstar forward. With Carmelo in the fold and young talent like Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson potentially making an impact, the Lakers could be force next season.
Until Carmelo and LeBron James make their decisions on where they’ll be playing next season, there’s no telling what kind of roster the Lakers will have next year. Kobe, Steve Nash, and Robert Sacre are the only players under contract while Randle and Clarkson will likely sign before NBA Summer League gets underway.
If Gasol ultimately decides to play elsewhere, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls are potentially two destinations at the top of his list.
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