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The NBA offseason has begun. The 2021 NBA free-agent class was believed to be historic with LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Rudy Gobert, and Jrue Holiday expected to be available. However, they persisted with their existing teams and signed an extension, resulting in a reduction of star power in the free-agent class. This offseason trade will see five teams with significant cap space fighting for players like Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. The teams have already started their trade and the latest buzz is about Carmelo Anthony agreeing to terms with the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to recent reports in ESPN, the 37-year-old Power Forward has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony's manager, Bay Frazier, confirmed this news on Tuesday. Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports and Anthony's agent completed the agreement with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday. Carmelo Anthony was representing the Portland Trail Blazers for the last two seasons.
Apart from Anthony, the Los Angeles Lakers also agreed with restricted free agent Talen Horton-Tucker on a three-year deal to stay with the team. Kendrick Nunn also agreed on a two-year deal with the Lakers. Malik Monk, Washington Wizards, and Russell Westbrook are some of the recent additions to the Lakers this offseason.
What lies ahead for Carmelo Anthony at Los Angeles Lakers?
Carmelo Anthony, after debuting in 2003 with the Denver Nuggets, stayed with the team for eight straight seasons. He then had another long run with the New York Knicks. He played for the Knicks for seven seasons, from 2010 to 2017. Post that, Anthony has struggled to stay with one team and has represented three different teams in the last four seasons. However, he rehabbed his career in two seasons in Portland.
Melo has not had a good previous season, having to transition to a bench role last season, but the 18-year veteran did that without complaining. But Lakers' coach Frank Vogel will want to get the most out of Melo by pairing him up with the team's stars. He can be given a shooting role looking at his record in 3-point attempts where he knocked down 41% of his 3-point attempts.