After losing the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, speculation arose that the Los Angeles Lakers would target potential free agents Carmelo Anthony and Paul George next summer. While the team has deep enough pockets to do it, both players recently indicated they have no interest in playing for the Lakers.
Anthony can opt out of his contract with the New York Knicks after this season. The Lakers would be expected to pursue the All-Star forward, but Anthony appears unlikely to be swayed by the bright lights of Los Angeles.
TMZ caught up with Anthony this week and asked him if he could see himself as a Laker next summer. Anthony dismissed it and said, "I doubt it."
While it's far from conclusive, it doesn't help substantiate any reports indicating Anthony is interested in Los Angeles.
Indiana Pacers' George also sounded uninterested in joining the Lakers next summer. The California-native is a restricted free agent after this season, but he appears content in Indiana.
"Everywhere I go [in L.A.] they say, 'We want you here. Don't sign with the Pacers,'" George told Yahoo! Sports. "I hear that constantly. It's getting a little repetitive ... but I'm getting used to it."
"I'm happy to be in Indiana," George later added. "I'm happy to be where I am. If I was going to leave Indiana and come to the Lakers, it just wouldn't be a smart move for me. We got a great thing going right now."
LeBron James can also opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat after next season, and the Lakers are expected to pursue him in free agency. The team's chances of landing the four-time MVP are unknown, but it can certainly afford to pay him.
As the Heat face the restrictions on player acquisitions, as well as the impending repeater tax, James could find himself exploring other options. As far as what his future might hold, James has said his only focus is on this season.
