NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James not a package deal
Over the last few weeks, there have been several different outlets reporting that New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony and Miami Heat forward LeBron James would like to play together.
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Many then began to speculate the Heat would be making a run at Anthony in attempt to turn their big three of James, guard Dwyane Wade and big man Chris Bosh into a big four. There have also been rumors James and Anthony could join Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, Anthony and James are not necessarily a package deal.
"Although the Lakers’ ideal free agency scenario involves convincing both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony to come play for them this summer, according to a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking, they are not ruling out the return of the four-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion Gasol by any means.In fact, should it appear that James and Anthony are not pursuing a mutual destination as a package deal — especially with Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh opting out of their deals with the Miami Heat — the Lakers believe that having Gasol back on the team could be vital in their solo pursuit of Anthony."
Of course, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if James and Anthony wind up on the same team.
Anthony put up 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and shot 45.2% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free throw line last season. James averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 56.7% from the field, 37.9% from three and 75.0% from the charity stripe last season.