Kobe Bryant may have recruited Carmelo Anthony to join Lakers
By Bryan Rose
While the Los Angeles Lakers are said to be ‘lukewarm‘ on the prospect of signing Carmelo Anthony, that may not be a sentiment shared by Kobe Bryant as it’s being rumored that he may have met with Carmelo Anthony while the two were in Europe on separate ‘vacations’.
More from Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Bronny James collapses at practice, taken to ICU with cardiac arrest
- NBA Rumors: Lakers nearing another savvy minimum signing
- Lakers projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
There’s no concrete evidence to suggest the two paired up at any point, though, ESPN’s Chris Broussard suggests the two did indeed meet up with Kobe Bryant pitching Carmelo Anthony on on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Of course, Bryant denied that such took place, though did admit he does plan to meet with Anthony in the future so at the minimum, it’s clear that he does want Anthony in Hollywood.
As you’ll likely recall, Carmelo Anthony’s wife, LaLa, previously stated that she’d have a word in where her husband signs his next contract and given she’s a native of New York, many believed she’d have a strong influence over him to remain in the Big Apple. However, the acting bug has seemingly bit LaLa and few places are more prime to start such a career than in Hollywood, so might she support a cross-country move to Southern California? Only time will tell, though, it does seem a little odd to think the Lakers would use their cap space on Anthony given he’s never proven to be much other than a talented scorer.
It could certainly be an odd fit but maybe the Lakers have grander plans in order and will try to form their own version of the ‘Big 3’?