As close friends, it has always been a dream for Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James to link up on the same team. For years, the opportunity never materialized until, one day, it finally did.
Last summer, Melo agreed to terms on a deal with the Lakers that paired him and LeBron James up for the first time ever. Apparently, James himself had a lot to do with it.
As Melo would go on to explain later in the season, it was LeBron’s call that first got him on board.
Melo guested on Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast in 2021 and shared how he got to play for the L.A. Lakers and mentioned all it took was a direct phone call from James.
“It was a real call. It wasn’t like no bul***it. I wasn’t expecting it from him. I mean we talked about it years before about getting again with each other but I heard it. That’s my brother. I knew him since he was 15, 16. ‘Yo, I need you.’ Say less. You ain’t gotta say nothing. I already know what time it is when you hit me direct. He was like ‘The time is now.’”
Anthony added that going to the New York Knicks was a real option for him since his son would go to high school there. But things changed after that call. At that time, it was a strong team on paper. A team with sure Hall of Famers James, Anthony, and Russell Westbrook could give any team a run for their money. Unfortunately, the opposite happened. The age of the roster showed. Melo didn’t get to win a ring with close friend LeBron James.
While the Lakers failed to generate much traction on the season, Melo played his part pretty well, averaging 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1 assist per game on 44.1% shooting.
Sadly, it seems unlikely that Melo will return to L.A., which has put his entire basketball future in question.
What Comes Next For Carmelo Anthony?
At 38 years old, Melo isn’t going to be in the running for MVP anytime soon, but he’s still a scorer and experienced veteran who can make himself valuable in the right situation.
If that’s not with the Lakers, it could be for any other team in the league with a shot to compete.
So far, though, Carmelo has not reached a deal with any squad, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be on a roster before the start of the new season. All he can do is wait and see if an opportunity arises.
