Stephen A. Smith freaks out after Lakers sign Carmelo Anthony

Stephen A. Smith was over the moon about Carmelo Anthony joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

Upon hearing Carmelo Anthony signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recorded a video to celebrate the notable free-agency transaction.

Though Smith is a New York Knicks fan above all else, he now has vested rooting interests out west with the Lakers. Smith knows by joining up with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and now Russell Westbrook, this is Anthony’s best chance to win that elusive NBA championship. Anthony is one of the best players in league history to never appear in an NBA Finals. Maybe that changes?

Here is Smith’s reaction to Anthony now being a card-carrying member of the purple and gold.

Stephen A. Smith reacts to Carmelo Anthony signing with the Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony only has a few more years left in his NBA career. While he was able to reinvent himself as a sixth man of sorts with the Portland Trail Blazers the last two years, him deciding to team up with James signifies that it is now or never for him to win an NBA championship. Though he is already a future basketball Hall of Famer, getting that elusive ring will change his perception.

No, it is not going to be the same as if he were to lead a team to a championship. It would be more of the variety of the rings hall of famers like Jason Kidd and Gary Payton have. Though winning a ring at this stage of his career will do wonders for Westbrook, checking that box for Anthony will feel like a right of passage at this point. Still, once you are a champion, you are always a champion.

Smith will be a staunch supporter of the Knicks, and the Lakers, this upcoming NBA season.