Could Carmelo Anthony head to Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors?

The Houston Rockets’ signing of Carmelo Anthony did not go as planned, to say the least. In 10 games, Melo averaged a career-low 13.4 points per game on 40.5 percent shooting, to go along with 5.4 rebounds per contest. During his brief stint, the Rockets stumbled out to a discouraging 1-5 start. Anthony also had a defensive rating of 111.1, per NBA.com. That led to the Rockets ‘parting ways’ with Melo, per the New York Times’ Marc Stein.

Obviously not all of Houston’s early season woes fall at the hands of the 34-year-old veteran, but the Rockets’ front office felt like it was time for a change. Another reason why Anthony’s time was short in Space City was due to the emergence of two-way wing Gary Clark; the rookie has exceeded expectations and is becoming one of head coach Mike D’Antoni‘s go-to selections off the bench.

The challenge for Anthony’s camp now is finding a team who will not only take him, but find an appropriate role for him to excel in. There are a handful of teams that have been linked to have interest in the forward’s services, but nothing is concrete as of yet. This article will dive into the scenario that Carmelo Anthony ends up on the west coast, in LA or Oakland.

Scenario 1: Los Angeles Lakers

Everyone who follows the NBA knows about the infamous banana boat group (Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony). Although Melo couldn’t find an effective role on Paul’s team, that won’t stop LeBron James from actively pushing the Lakers to sign him. Here’s what Melo to the Lakers would look like:

*All of the components are projections based upon team fit and roster*

Contract:

A one year, veteran minimum deal would be likely for Carmelo Anthony.

Minutes per game:

Around eight to 15 minutes per game is feasible for Anthony on the Lakers.

Statistics:

Around 7.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, and 41.0 percent shooting seem reasonable.

Reasons to sign:

The banana boat group and relationship with LeBron James would probably be enough influence to sign him. The minimum contract doesn’t tie Los Angeles down financially and the Lakers are not necessarily primed for a deep playoff run. Anthony offers an upgrade at backup small forward and/or power forward behind Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and LeBron James.

Role and Outlook:

Obviously, L.A. isn’t looking for Carmelo Anthony to return to the All-Star level of play he supplied earlier in his career. The Lakers need some additional role players especially, in the frontcourt. Therefore, Anthony would be primed for a backup position in the frontcourt, but could experience more minutes at the 3 if foul trouble strikes. Melo’s face-up play near the basket and in the mid-range will allow him to see opportunities offensively when he is on the court.

Scenario 2: Golden State Warriors

How much help do the Warriors need!? With that being said in a joking manner, signing Melo makes sense for Golden State. Not only does Melo have a golden opportunity to win his first championship, but Golden State will be able to use him in garbage time or blowout situations to rest their star players. Here’s what Melo to the Warriors would look like:

*All of the components are projections based upon team fit and roster*

Contract:

Carmelo Anthony would be getting a one year vet minimum deal.

Minutes per game:

Four to 10 minutes per game (maybe more in garbage time) would be likely.

Statistics:

4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game on 44.0 percent shooting is feasible.

Reasons to sign:

First off, Melo will have his best chance to win a ring with Golden State, but in terms of the Warriors’ perspective, it is a low-risk, high-reward move. Golden State is not strapped down financially and they will be able to play him accordingly to allow the key players to rest up for the postseason. Not only that, but Carmelo can serve as a spot-up shooter that will at least make opponents respect his abilities, opening up opportunities for other players on the court.

Role and Outlook:

Carmelo Anthony would serve as either a backup or third-option forward off the bench and would contribute accordingly. His presence and leadership will allow him to guide and teach the younger players, but at the end of the day the Warriors’ get better by adding a former All-Star that they do not necessarily need. A Carmelo Anthony victory cigar, oh goody.

Draymond Green Brutally Rips Warriors After Loss Against Timberwolves

The Golden State Warriors‘ chances to make the NBA postseason are dwindling by the day. On Sunday evening, they faced off with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Rick Carlisle Rips NBA Refs Over Lakers’ Free Throw Disparity

NBA referees have been under the microscope a lot during the 2023-24 regular season. There have been some egregious calls that have determined the outcome

Steve Kerr’s Bizarre Reason for Reducing Stephen Curry’s Minutes

The 2023-24 NBA regular season has not gone according to plan for the Golden State Warriors. Instead of being contenders in the Western Conference, they