After suffering a disappointing defeat in the 2021 playoffs, Rob Pelinka and the L.A. Lakers knew they had a lot of work cut out for them. With many of the team’s role-players having failed to step up, the franchise prepared for a busy summer.
One of their first moves? Signing 18-year veteran Carmelo Anthony, who was coming off two extraordinary seasons with the Blazers.
Right away, fans hailed the move, and excitement grew from all corners of the community.
Now, weeks after the initial signing, we’re getting the first peek at Melo in the Purple and Gold — and it’s quite a sight to see.
Carmelo's first bucket in a Lakers uniform 🙌
📺: @SpectrumSN pic.twitter.com/XHkyFEEatR
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 6, 2021
While still the preseason, it is being celebrated as Melo’s first points as a Laker, a mark that sparked tons of reactions from the community.
THATS WHAT WE NEED RIGHT THERE!!! TEN OF THOSE THANGS A GAME
— 🅺iz 🅿️🦑 (@yokizle) October 6, 2021
WE REALLY GOT HIM ON A MINIMUM LMFAOOOO
— 𝒲𝑒𝐵𝓇𝑜𝓃𝒮𝒵𝒩 (@LeBronSZN__) October 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/yawnhova/status/1445885922545831936
Having melo being able to score on his own off the bench is so valuable
— Luke (@LiquidDeath0) October 6, 2021
he’s already better than Schroeder and Harrell
— bass face (@UlyssesDuarte10) October 6, 2021
Never thought I would see the day but I’m here for it
— Kyrie White (@kyriewhite0) October 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/Destinytamarrr/status/1445897589576978433https://twitter.com/Zomb1fy/status/1445877746735796228
League shaking rn
— 🌹 (@Kev_bandzz2) October 6, 2021
This season is Melo’s best chance at capturing a title, and it’s clear that he intends to make the absolute most of it.
Despite his reputation of selfishness in the past, Melo has put himself in the right mindset for this campaign, and that much has been made known. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the Lakers win.
I don’t know man. I had to adjust to that (coming off the bench) last year. It was cool after I got my feet wet and understood what my role was gonna be on that team. It’s the same here.
With this team, I kind of look at it like the USA team. In a sense. There’s so much talent, you have to figure out what works together, what doesn’t work together. How it works together, how it all comes together.
At this point, man, whatever we need to do, let’s do it… I can’t sit and be like ‘Oh, I want to start,’ ‘I want to come off the bench.’ Whatever it is, it is.
I’ve had experience being a starter for 18 years. I’ve had experience coming off the bench for one year. It’s not something I think about anymore.
At 37, you can’t expect too much from the guy, especially defensively, But if he can bring a spark off the bench for this club, and provide some fire-power for LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, he’ll certainly prove useful.
At this point, we just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
