The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Portland Trail Blazers big man Carmelo Anthony to a one-year deal.
NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski had the news on the second day of Free Agency, and considering the Lakers cap situation, it looks like it will be a one-year veteran’s minimum deal.
Free agent F Carmelo Anthony has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, his manager Bay Frazier tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021
After spending the last two seasons with the Blazers, Anthony joined the Lakers to up the ante on chasing a ring. The Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook on Draft night, sending out shooters to bring in the former MVP.
With none of the big three of Anthony Davis, LeBron James, or Westbrook being plus shooters, Melo is an important piece with his floor spacing and ability to get a bucket on the second unit.
Melo is a better fit on the second unit of the Lakers than he would be on the Blazers, because of some of the elite defensive pieces the Lakers possess.
Melo is still a loss for the Blazers though. Though he struggles defensively, his ability to stretch the floor and get the odd mid-post bucket made the Blazers bench one of the better units in the league offensively. The Blazers 29th ranked defense in the 2021 season, so bringing back Melo was always going to be a tough task when so much defensive improvement was needed.
In two seasons with the Blazers, Melo played 127 games, averaging 14.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, on an excellent 39.9 percent from three-point range. He was also a great locker room presence in two tough seasons.
We wish Melo all the best in his quest for a ring in Los Angeles.