December 18, 2018
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has been backed to sign for Los Angeles Lakers by NBA expert Chris Sheridan.
However, a deal could reportedly only go through if the free agent was willing to be a bit-part player.
The Lakers are in the market to strengthen their roster around star man LeBron James.
Magic Johnson tried to acquire Trevor Ariza from Phoenix Suns last week but they opted to instead do business with Washington Wizards.
It means the Lakers are still scouring the market for players who will help to cement their unexpected play-off position and they could turn to Anthony after he was released by Houston Rockets last month.
“Melo might fit with the Lakers but he has to come off the bench,” Sheridan told the Scoop B Podcast.
“Is Melo going to come off the bench? Or is he going to start?
“He’s definitely good enough to be a NBA starter, but he maybe better as a scorer off the bench.”
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard’s decision of whether to become a free agent next year could force Los Angeles Lakers to change their trade plans, according to NBA expert Nick Wright.
The Lakers are thought to have New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis as their No 1 target next summer but Leonard’s availability could also turn heads.
“Kawhi is going to make his free agency decision before the Pelicans are in a position where they will be trading Anthony Davis,” Wright told First Things First.
“I don’t think there’s a scenario where Kawhi says ‘I want to sign with the Lakers’ and they say ‘No we are saving this spot to trade for Anthony Davis’.”
LeBron James
LeBron James’ desire to have more superstars on his team could lead to the departure of Brandon Ingram, according to NBA insiders.
The Lakers are hoping to land Anthony Davis at the end of the season and the Bleacher Report have spoken to a key source who thinks Ingram will be used as a makeweight.
“Everything is on the table to appease LeBron,” an NBA player agent told Bleacher Report.
“I think they wait until the summer to look into a big move involving a player like Ingram.”