If there’s one role player who has significantly stepped up for the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s 37-year-old Carmelo Anthony. In his 19th season in the league, Melo is off to a red-hot start and helping the Lakers win close games. L.A. is currently shorthanded with injuries to a number of role players, but Melo has taken on a good amount of the scoring load from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.
https://twitter.com/lakeshow_18/status/1455376547020480514
After Tuesday's win over the Houston Rockets, Anthony is second in catch-and-shooting scoring in the NBA with 8.8 points per game, trailing only Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Melo has a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 76.1% on these shots.
Although this will regress, Melo is still in a good spot because he's in a perfect situation for him to play his Olympic Melo role and just feast on open catch-and-shoot looks. Opposing defenses will focus on the Lakers’ Big Three, which sucks for them because Anthony is always lurking in the corner and making the defense pay while he’s at it.
Carmelo Anthony this season per @cleantheglass:
19.2% usage rate (2nd lowest of career)
133 points per 100 shot attempts (highest of career)
29% midrange freq (lowest of career)
54% 3PT freq (highest of career)3PT breakdown
(6/8) 75% from the corners
47% non-corner
52% overall— Alex Regla (@AlexmRegla) November 1, 2021
Anthony long ago solidified himself as one of the best scorers to ever play the game, but he has transitioned to a new role as a key bench gunner. He has ample opportunities to knock down open shots, making this a rewarding experience. For the Lakers, this is a great change after they experienced guys like Kyle Kuzma (who’s currently struggling on catch-and-shoot attempts), Dennis Schroder and Markief Morris brick shots on the regular. The best way to maximize James’ talent is to surround him with shooters, and Anthony is just that perfect fit.
Not sure there has been a player on the Lakers so far who has benefited MORE from playing next to LeBron James and Russell Westbrook than Carmelo Anthony.
Not only in terms of the looks that come with their playmaking/gravity, but also when it comes to streamlining his offense. pic.twitter.com/fcbgfp4y1r
— Alex Regla (@AlexmRegla) November 1, 2021
The biggest challenge for Anthony is to find a way to compete on defense. His reputation as a defender isn't great, and chances are Frank Vogel (a defensive-minded coach) will pull him out of the game if he's a liability on that end of the floor. If Anthony can play decent enough defense while making his open shots, he’ll definitely make a case for more playing time this season and perhaps even a Sixth Man of the Year nod.
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Aside from defense, it’s also important for Anthony to stay healthy. The Lakers are built for the playoffs, especially with their age. It’s unfortunate that injuries have hunted them early, but so far Anthony has shown he can keep up and that he's in good shape.
Melo’s shooting streak is exactly what has saved the Lakers in their first few games to start the season. L.A. has been winning but not in a way that has scared opponents. That’s, of course, because the team is still in the midst of figuring it all out, but Anthony’s scoring production has helped them throughout this process:
“I’ve always tried to adapt to every situation that I’ve been in. Some were better than others, but this is just an easy adaptation for me to just be here, be around the guys, the basketball minds that I’m around alongside myself,” Anthony said about his fit with the Lakers, via Silver Screen and Roll. “I think for me, it’s just all about being mentally prepared for what is being thrown at us, and the rest will take care of itself. It’s basketball at that point. If you’re open, shoot it, if not, make a play for yourself, if not, make a play for others.
If there’s one pleasant surprise for the Lakers this season, it’s definitely how Anthony has seamlessly fit with this roster.
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