Carmelo Anthony and the Los Angeles Lakers have heard all the hate (and some concerns) about their age. In fact, they expected it. However, contrary to what the critics say, Melo thinks their old age will benefit them more.

In an interview with Ebony to promote his memoir, Anthony spoke out about the criticisms the Lakers have received over their age, which is among the oldest in NBA history. For what it's worth, the projected starting lineup of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Wayne Ellington and DeAndre Jordan(?) has an average age of 32.

Of course the Lakers have younger guys like Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk who are all capable of starting as well, but the fact remains they have a slew of veterans on their roster.

Anthony understands the concerns about the wear and tear and their ability to stay on the floor for long periods. However, he emphasized that as veterans, they have learned a lot on how to handle their bodies for the NBA grind. He even compared the Lakers to old Italian grandmothers who cook very well.

“We knew that. We expected people to say those things; they have to. They have to start a debate, get engagement from people; that’s what it is. This is the only industry where you can be too old. After you reach a certain age, it’s like you’re supposed to lose everything. After 32 years old, it’s a wrap. Like, no. We’re getting older, we’re getting wiser. We know how to move differently, we know how to think differently. We know how to pick our spots and we know what we need to do when we need to do it and how we need to do it,” the Lakers forward shared.

“It’s like .. you go to an Italian restaurant, you got the grandmother in there who’s 900 years old cooking the food. The food comes out amazing, though. You’re not gonna say she’s too old to be cooking. You’re gonna taste and enjoy that food. It’s the same situation with us. We’re the cooks in the kitchen. When you taste the food, you’re gonna love the food. That’s how I look at it.”

Carmelo Anthony's analogy might be a bit off with the fact that the concern is not on what they can do but on if they can keep doing it with the grueling 82-game season. While there is no doubting what the Lakers can cook has the potential to be special, fans and experts alike agree that the team is not built for a long grind.

Of course if the Lakers can stay healthy and Frank Vogel handles the minutes of the players well, then the Purple and Gold can certainly serve a delicious treat that LA fans won't get enough of. However, only time will tell if they can deliver.