Power Ranking: Lakers Top 5 Targets for 2014
By Jacob Rude
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
2. Carmelo Anthony
In terms of most realistic options, Carmelo Anthony is the Lakers #1 target. But in terms of talent, Melo comes in at #2 on the list. Nevertheless, Melo has a skill set the Lakers are familiar with. He’s an offensive force, high volume scorer, who can score in any way imaginable. At times, he’s seen as a ball-hog and a stubborn player, someone who doesn’t like to share the ball and wants to win games single-handedly. Remind you of anyone?
The only way Melo and the Lakers could co-exist is if Bryant accepts he’d no longer be the star player and begin to hand the reigns over to Melo. A couple reasons this would work is that Bryant has said he’d be willing to step out of the spotlight for the right player. He’s also spoken of his friendship between Melo and himself. Regardless of chemistry issues between the duo, bringing Melo in would be an immediate upgrade over any player on the Lakers roster right now.