Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant reportedly contacted free agents LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony about signing in L.A. to create a new "Big Three." While the Lakers have the cap room to sign both superstars, a trio of Bryant, James and Anthony appears unlikely to happen.
The Lakers endured a dismal 2013-14 season but now have the salary cap space to sign two superstars to play alongside Bryant. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne appeared on the Bill Simmons podcast Monday and said Bryant has already pitched playing in Los Angeles to James and Anthony.
"The Lakers had this idea where they could clear enough [cap] room where they could get [LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony] but then they'd only play for $16 million per year," Shelburne said, via LakerHolicz.com. "I don't think that was ever that realistic. Plus, Kobe [Bryant] was going to have to sell them on [the idea] and say, 'It would be just like the Olympic team where I play defense and you guys be the starts.'
"[Kobe] actually did that. He actually did call both of them and talked to them about it but the sense I get is that neither of them are playing for $16 million each ... I think all of this is just these guys having leverage. I think Melo goes back to New York and LeBron goes back to Miami."
Free agency officially began on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. ET. Miami may have improved their chances of re-signing James by selecting guard Shabazz Napier, whom James is fond of, in the 2014 NBA draft. James reportedly is giving Heat president Pat Riley time to upgrade Miami's roster before he makes a decision
Anthony, meanwhile, is believed to have a number of free agency meetings already lined up. ESPN's Marc Stein reported Anthony will first visit the Chicago Bulls, then the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and the Lakers on Thursday.
Contracts cannot be signed until July 10.
