We’re a few weeks into the 2022-23 NBA season, and free agent Carmelo Anthony has yet to sign with a team. There were rumors during the offseason about a few teams that he could sign with, including the New York Knicks. Melo spent the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he proved that he’s still a valuable asset off the bench.
After Anthony’s tenure brief tenure ended with the Houston Rockets in November of 2018, it appeared as if the 10-time All-Star’s career had come to a close. Retirement is something that he had already begun to accept, but then, the Portland Trail Blazers came calling. In Oregon, Melo was able to rejuvenate his career. He averaged 14.3 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 42.5% from the field and 39.9% from three in two seasons.
Before the 2021-22 season, Melo signed with the Lakers in what was supposed to result in a deep playoff run. Instead, Los Angeles missed the play-in tournament.
And now, Carmelo Anthony’s still waiting to learn what his next career move will be.
3 teams that should sign former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony
3: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have seemingly picked up where they left off last season as they are off to another poor start. LA’s biggest problem is that the team lacks shooting, which is something that Melo was able to provide last year. He averaged 13.3 points and shot 44.1% from the floor (the highest for him since the 2014-15 season in New York) and 37.5% from three.
Right now, the Lakers’ main focus needs to be finding a way to make a trade with the Pacers that would send Myles Turner and Buddy Hield to LA. But it wouldn’t hurt for Rob Pelinka to consider bringing Melo back for his scoring off the bench alone.
After assembling a team full of veterans in 2021 that went up in flames, the Lakers made an effort to embrace youth in the offseason. Melo certainly doesn’t fit that mold, but with LeBron James signing a two-year extension in September, LA needs to prioritize getting him help.
If the Lakers are interested in bringing back Melo, there’s the chance that he may not be interested in returning to La La Land. The veteran could be prioritizing signing with a true contender so that he can have a chance to win a ring, and that’s not going to happen in Los Angeles.