Carmelo Anthony is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, and veteran sports analyst Stephen A. Smith couldn't be any happier. In fact, while he is a lifelong New York Knicks fan, Stephen A. admits he'll be rooting for the Purple and Gold now more than ever.
Smith took to social media to share his reaction to the news, noting that he can't help but show his support to LA as he wants Anthony to finally win the ring that's only missing in his already Hall of Fame Career.
“It's official: my man, my brother Melo is in La La — a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. I love it, it's a big deal. He's gonna have an opportunity to win a chip, which is all I want for my man, Melo. Of the Banana Boat Crew, he's the only one that has never been in the NBA Finals–CP3 was just there, D-Wade got three, LeBron's got four. I want to see Melo in the Finals, I'm rooting for the Lakers now more than ever,” Stephen A. Smith said.
“I'm a New Yorker first. Knicks first, New York always. But … Melo who y'all thought was finished years ago. Look at this brother right here: big time addition for the Lakers with AD, with Russ,, with LeBron. … Look out.”
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Carmelo Anthony's deal with the Lakers is for one year. However, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
For what it's worth, the deal really didn't come as a surprise because Carmelo Anthony has long been linked with a move to LA prior to the start of free agency. While the Knicks emerged as a possible destination as well, it's just clear the Lakers were the better choice given the opportunity it can provide Anthony.
With Melo now joining the Purple and Gold, LeBron James not only got a good friend, but also a reliable scorer who can lessen the burden on him.