Carmelo Anthony Gives Honest Take on Coming Off Bench For Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers selected an excellent group of veterans in the offseason. Carmelo Anthony is one of them, and he may be coming off the Lakers bench in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Melo is no longer in his prime but he was of great help for his former team. LA is looking forward to see some insane basketball from the veteran. Will Frank Vogel use Melo in his starting lineup? He couldn’t really cope with the idea of coming off the bench a few years ago. Remember when a report said Melo may come off the bench in his stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Things took a different turn for Melo in the last few seasons. He struggled to find a home in the NBA and the Portland Trail Blazers were the only team to make an offer. Talented Anthony joins a packed Lakers team and he may not be in the closing lineup.

The 10-time All-Star talked about his role with the Lakers and the potential change in roles.

“So, you go for 16, 17 years and you’re the guy on the team and you’re the star, and then all of a sudden somebody is like, ‘Listen, come off the bench.’ I had to swallow that ego,” the Lakers forward said. “I had to swallow that pride. But I also had to use that ego and that pride to keep me on edge and keep me motivated. And I’ve accepted that. It played out well in Portland.”

Carmelo Anthony has no problem coming off the Lakers bench

Melo had to embrace his role in Portland. He contributed behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. He will do the same behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“Again, that was my first time doing it and experiencing that at that level. But I enjoyed it. It was fun, it was basketball, and I was still able to do my thing and play ball and have fun and have the love for the game again. So, I don’t know what’s going to happen [with the Lakers], you know what I’m saying? I just know I’m prepared, like I’m ready, you know what I’m saying? I’m ready to go play basketball. I know what’s at stake here and I’m totally locked.”

Vogel will have to make a decision on his veteran. Maybe he will find a spot for Melo in the starting lineup.