Carmelo Anthony Lakers: Why the Proposed Deal Would Guarantee LA the 2011 Title

I had to do a double-take when I first came upon this story.  I just couldn't believe it.

If the Los Angeles Lakers are actually after Carmelo Anthony, and they are willing to give up Andrew Bynum to get him, this lets us know that Lakers management does not believe they are good enough to three-peat this year.

With the addition of Carmelo, Los Angeles is basically guaranteed a NBA Championship in 2011 due to several factors.

5. Phil Jackson

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on January 12, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Phil Jackson is arguably one of the best coaches in the game, and he has the ability of meshing talent to produce excellent results.

People may question him in regards to how he will use his elite players in Kobe Bryant and Anthony, but let's remember, he is an 11-time NBA champion. The guy knows what he is doing.

Jackson knows how to win in this league, and he will bring out the best in his team. With 'Melo, the talent only gets better. 

Great coach + great players = NBA Championship. 

4. Pau Gasol

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives around Chuck Hayes #44 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Staples Center on February 1, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Rockets 114-106. NOTE

If Anthony were to come to LA, the Lakers would be letting go of Bynum. This means the Lakers are going to have to invest more in Pau Gasol.

Gasol will get more minutes since his sub will be gone. Lamar Odom can still replace Gasol, but the Lakers like to frequently play with two big men on the floor.

Gasol is the wild card. We know Kobe and 'Melo play well on a consistent basis, but Gasol also has the ability to take over games. If he is able to play at the level he played last postseason, the Lakers will be your NBA champions once again. 

3. The Lakers' Core Players

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Pau Gasol #16, Andrew Bynum #17, Kobe Bryant #24 and Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers head to the bench after a time out trailing the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center on February 3, 2011 i

This same team essentially won a championship last year. Bynum was being hampered by injuries during the playoffs, so this is basically the same group that beat Boston in 2010.

Yes, additions have been made, but you still have Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, Shannon Brown, Gasol and Bryant who were the key contributors to the championship run last year.

With 'Melo, this team would be elevated to another level that is different from the Miami Heat. The Heat were installing two players into their team; the Lakers would be installing just one piece.

I know it will still take some time for the team to get adjusted to 'Melo, but it will happen at a faster rate than in Miami. 

2. Carmelo Antony Will Take Some Of the Stress Off Kobe, Gasol

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

Carmelo is averaging a cool 24.5 PPG in the playoffs. He actually averaged more than 30 points a game in last year's postseason.

This will undoubtedly take the stress off Kobe and Gasol of not being able to have an off night.

No, 'Melo does not have the playoff experience the Lakers have, but the guy can downright score, and he is also a guy who can carry the load for a team.

With Anthony, the Lakers would be tough to beat due to all the scoring threats they would have at their disposal.

1. Kobe Bryant

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his defense during a stop in play against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center on February 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User

Carmelo might bring some new excitement to LA, but this is still Kobe's team. He has the ability to win a championship even without Anthony, as he has shown in the past. The addition of 'Melo would make the Lakers nearly unbeatable.

Kobe will be the main reason the Lakers will be hoisting the championship trophy once again though. Yes, Gasol and Anthony would also play their roles, but it will be Kobe driving this team to win.

He is hungry for another championship and with the extra motivation added by the Heat, it should make for a very interesting playoffs.

Carmelo to LA

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EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: NBA Finals Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy is covered with a protective cloth as it rest on a stand during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at the Toyota Center on September 25, 2010 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: U

The Carmelo deal has not yet occurred, but if it were to happen, it would certainly bring a breath of fresh air to the Lakers, who are in need of some type of spark.

The Lakers are still good enough to win a championship, but the competition this year will be more fierce than ever.

The day 'Melo comes to LA is the day the Lakers should start sizing their fingers for a brand new ring.