With free agency becoming a real NBA season, given the fact that superstars like LeBron James, Pau Gasol and Chris Bosh are out in the open and hearing pitches left and right, rumors are flying that another powerhouse, Carmelo Anthony, may be eyeing a spot with the Los Angeles Lakers to be beside Kobe Bryant.
According to New York Daily News, Melo has whittled down his long list of choices for the next season to three: the Knicks, the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. So far, Knicks president Phil Jackson has offered a $129 million 5-year contract for him to re-sign, while the Bulls can muster only about $75 million for a four-year deal. If it were just all about the money, it seems that the only team that can afford to provide a max contract, that is, $96 million over four years, is the Lakers. It seems contradictory that Jackson would put a maximum amount on the table, especially since he has hinted in the past that he is not willing to hit the ceiling.
Sources cited by the news site say that Melo still hasn't decided where he is going, or even hinted at his preferences. They say he still keeps the Mavericks and the Rockets under consideration, although it is highly doubted that either of these teams would be able to match the offers he has received from others.
In an article by Yahoo! Sports, the Lakers had met with Melo recently and its star player, Kobe Bryant, has been sending feelers and keeping in constant contact with him. This level of communication, of course, is expected because the two are very good friends. But at this precious time of signing him on, observers say this could mean Kobe is trying to convince his friend to join the team. Another potential selling point for the Lakers is Pau Gasol, who, while being a free agent, could still choose to stay with the team to pair with Melo in the frontline.
But all this talk, to date, is still up in the air, so to speak. According to a source cited by ESPN, Melo has not formally told any of his suiters that they are out of the running yet. So while everyone is speculating about where he's eventually going to land, the decision remains to the 30-year-old NBA superstar. Moneywise, it seems that only the Lakers and the Knicks can move forward, but, hey, who knows, right?
What are your thoughts on this matter? Where do you think Melo should go? Let us know!
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
