Carmelo Anthony is ready to start a new chapter in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The legendary forward aims to win his first NBA championship next year with a team full of talent.
Melo spent the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, unable to compete alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Now it’s time for a new challenge, and the player is willing to do anything to help LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and co. win the 2022 NBA championship.
His role on the team is still unknown, but Melo isn’t paying much attention to that. The player recently stated that he’s ready to accept whatever role Frank Vogel gives him, as he’s trying to win and nothing else. During his time with the Blazers, Melo came off the bench, meaning he won’t have any issues playing that role again in Los Angeles.
Via Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times:
“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,” Anthony 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.
“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.”
This is a great moment for Anthony. He will finally team up with long-time friend LeBron James on the Lakers with a legit chance to win the championship. It’s been a long journey, but Melo can finally say he can get that elusive ring.
The competition has gotten harder this season, but the forward knows his team has what it takes to compete and win it all next year.
