LeBron James: ‘No Idea’ If Lakers Would Sign Or Trade For Carmelo Anthony, Defers Question To Front Office
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James
Harry How-Getty Images

After acquiring Paul George from the Indian Pacers, the Oklahoma City Thunder looked to form a big three by trading for Carmelo Anthony. But playing alongside George and Russell Westbrook didn’t exactly pan out as the Thunder had hoped.

There numerous occasions where Anthony didn’t quite appear to fit with the Thunder, and he made it clear a role off the bench was not of interest to him. Upon re-signing George in free agency this past summer, the Thunder traded Anthony to the Atlanta Hawks.

He was immediately bought out of his contract and proceeded to sign with the Houston Rockets. That pairing lasted all of 13 games into the season, with Anthony appearing in 10 of them. He remains on the Rockets roster but is not with the team.

Speculation has run rampant as Anthony’s next step and future remains unclear. Some have tied him to the Los Angeles Lakers because of their prior interest and his close friendship with LeBron James.

When asked if Anthony could be bound for L.A., James deflected the question toward the Lakers front office, via Spectrum SportsNet:

“I have no idea. To be honest, that’s not a question to ask me. Right now we have 15 (full) roster spots. We don’t even have a roster spot open right now. But that’s not a question for myself.”

As James notes, the Lakers don’t currently have an open roster spot after signing Tyson Chandler once he was bought out by the Phoenix Suns and cleared waivers. Because he just signed with the Rockets this past summer, any trade involving Anthony cannot take place until Dec. 15.

Anthony’s decline on defense and insistence on remaining a starter would appear to limit his options, and all but eliminate the Lakers. Though, Shaquille O’Neal believes they would actually be the right fit because of James’ understanding of how Anthony prefers to play.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Team Officially Signs Andrew Goudelock

In the wake of Kobe Bryant’s injury on Friday the Lakers have…

Anthony Davis Injury Update: MRI Confirms Sprained Right Thumb, Listed As Day-To-Day

In the 91-77 loss to the Brooklyn Nets to conclude the 2019 NBA China Games, the Los Angeles Lakers initially diagnosed…

Lakers News: Frank Vogel ‘Encouraged’ By LeBron James, Anthony Davis & Andre Drummond’s First Game Playing Together

On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers finally saw their three All-Stars, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond…

2022-23 Los Angeles Lakers Player Review: Tristan Thompson

When Mo Bamba went down with a high-ankle sprain, the Los Angeles Lakers were suddenly thin at the front court position…