The Los Angeles Lakers didn't acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline, but instead they traded Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Los Angeles Clippers for Mike Muscala.
With this trade, the Lakers now have an open roster spot which they can use to sign a player from the buyout market, and that could be Carmelo Anthony:
Lakers will now seriously look at signing Carmelo Anthony, per source. https://t.co/7eV4ReNGlI
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) February 7, 2019
However, it's not a guarantee that Melo will be the guy who gets brought in:
Carmelo Anthony is a possible addition for the Lakers, but not an inevitability a team source tells ESPN. LAL will monitor the buyout market and will also consider a piece that could fortify their depth at PG or C, two positions they’ve been hit with injuries this season
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 7, 2019
The Lakers have been linked to Anthony for a while now, especially after the Houston Rockets traded him to the Chicago Bulls earlier this year. The Bulls then waived Melo, allowing him to become a free agent. However, the Lakers were reluctant to open up a roster spot for the former All-Star, as all of their players had guaranteed contracts.
With the Lakers moving on from Davis, they are looking to solidify their roster surrounding LeBron James and the young core. They acquired Reggie Bullock from the Detroit Pistons, a career 40 percent shooter from beyond the arc, and they could look to bring in Anthony for more shooting. They could also look for help at point guard or center, as reported.
As of this point there have been no reports about the Lakers contacting Melo and his representatives, but that could change soon as there are speculations that LeBron wants Anthony on the team.
The Lakers may have failed to acquire AD, but their season isn't over. They still have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs and could make a run if healthy.
Follow Us
Subscribe