Report: LeBron James Interested In Bringing Rockets Star Forward To Lakers

LeBron James expressed his opinion that he would like to see veteran forward Carmelo Anthony in the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster, according to a report from Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Anthony, 34, is currently in an estranged relationship with the Houston Rockets; while he is still on the roster, Carmelo isn’t with the team, nor is he playing in games. After signing with Houston in July, he can be traded to a new team starting on December 15.

But James and his camp still  have faith in Anthony and think that there could be a place for him as a contributor on a Lakers’ team that is young and continues to battle injuries. Brandon Ingram is the latest in the casualty row, and due to his sprained left ankle, he will have to rest for at least the next two games.

And LeBron surely does not want to see Anthony’s career end either with the Houston divorce or the 10-time All-Star playing out the string in this season in a market where he doesn’t want to be.”

Last month, James deflected a question about the Lakers potentially adding Anthony.

“I have no idea to be honest,” James said when asked if there was a possibility of Anthony joining him in Los Angeles. “That’s not a question to ask me. Right now we have 15 roster spots right? We don’t even have a roster spot open right now. But that’s not a question for myself.”

The friendship between James and Anthony began in 2003, when both players entered the NBA Draft as highly-heralded prospects. James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick in the draft, whereas the Denver Nuggets made Anthony the third selection.

Things didn’t go that well for Anthony in any of his past three stops however (New York, Oklahoma City and Houston), and some have suggested that the former scoring champ should retire. However, Basketball Hall of Famer (and Anthony’s former Nuggets teammate) Allen Iverson thinks ‘Melo has more left in the tank.

“No way Melo should retire,” Iverson said. “I definitely think he should keep going. He got a lot left in the tank, man. It’s just got to be the right situation … He’s going to find his way to adapt to the game and the best spot. I believe in him, and I know he’s strong enough. He has a strong foundation behind him as far as his family and friends. I really think he’ll be alright. I’m in Melo’s corner all the way.”

James is the best one to get the best out of Anthony at this stage in his career it would be James, but it is yet to be seen if the Lakers will be willing to add aging veteran to their current roster.