New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony announced he wants to be a free agent in 2014. With Anthony intending to opt out of his contract after the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have the money, the cap room and the big market to lure the NBA scoring champion to the Lakeshow.
Anthony had been noncommittal about his plans after the 2013-14 season, when he can option out of his contract with the Knicks. In an interview published on Wednesday, however, Anthony changed his tune.
"I want to be a free agent," Anthony told the New York Observer. "I think everybody in the NBA dreams to be a free agent at least one time in their career. It's like you have an evaluation period, you know. It's like if I'm in the gym and I have all the coaches, all the owners, all the GMs come into the gym and just evaluate everything I do.
"So yes, I want that experience."
Anthony opting out of his contract doesn't close the door on re-signing with New York, which can give him a five-year deal worth $129 million, but it does open a door for the Lakers to court the six-time NBA All-Star.
After missing out on Dwight Howard, Los Angeles is poised to make a big splash this summer in free agency. The Lakeshow has just $10.6 million on the books for the 2014-15 season, giving them the possibility of signing two stars in the offseason.
The Lakers' roster will look entirely different next season. While an extension for Kobe Bryant will likely be signed in the summer, the perennial All-Star admitted he's in the "last chapter" of his career. Having two scorers and only one ball is a problem, but there's no telling how explosive and dominant Bryant will be when he turns 36 years old in August.
The Lakers will need a new star to build around, and transitioning from one scorer to another is the logical step.
Anthony has said before his chief concern is winning an NBA championship. Los Angeles will have the cap space to sign Anthony and another star, giving Anthony perhaps a better chance at winning a championship in Los Angeles than in New York.
Los Angeles also has the big market to lure Anthony and entice him with countless marketing possibilities.
One hiccup for the Lakers is current coach Mike D'Antoni, who Anthony reportedly didn't get along with in New York. Would the Lakers be willing to part with D'Antoni for the next face of the franchise? They weren't for Howard, but Anthony could be another story.
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