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Carmelo Anthony Rumors: Lakers, Blazers, Pelicans Targeting SF If Cut by Rockets
November 14, 2018
Multiple teams are reportedly interested in signing veteran forward Carmelo Anthony if he parts ways with the Houston Rockets.
According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer (h/t Jacob Rude of USA Today), the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans could all be in on Melo if he's available.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are planning to waive Anthony in the "near future" after he appeared in just 10 games with the team.
The Lakers would be an intriguing fit for Melo, since his longtime friendship with Lakers superstar LeBron James is well-documented.
Anthony and James have never played together on the same NBA team, but that could soon change.
Marc J. Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated doesn't think it'll happen, though, as he appeared on ESPN's The Jump this week and said, "I think the Lakers are done," with regard to their interest in Melo (h/t Christian Rivas of USA Today).
While Anthony could give the Lakers a different look as a stretch power forward, they would have to release a player to create a roster spot for him.
The Pels may also be out on Anthony, as Will Guillory of The Athletic reported New Orleans "won't have any interest" in Melo if he becomes available. Guillory noted the Pelicans already have enough depth at power forward and likely wouldn't use Anthony at small forward because of his defensive deficiencies.
That would leave the Blazers, who could use a different look at power forward alongside the likes of Al-Farouq Aminu and Meyers Leonard. Aminu has some offensive ability, but his best asset is his rebounding, while Leonard resides primarily in the paint. Anthony can stretch the floor and knock down threes, which could be a strong complement to the guard combo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
Portland is second in the Western Conference at 10-3, while Anthony's team, the Rockets, are just 6-7.
The 34-year-old Anthony has served in a bench role this season for the first time in his NBA career, and he is averaging a career-low 13.4 points per game.
Melo also struggled last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging just 16.2 points per contest.
Anthony is a 10-time All-Star, one-time scoring champ and potential future Hall of Famer, but he'll need to adjust and thrive in a lesser role if he is going to enjoy success with a new team.