December 25, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) goes in for a basket against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2014 NBA free agency season kicking off in full swing Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers are quickly making their recruitment plans. The goal this summer was to entice free agents Carmelo Anthony & LeBron James to join the Lakers at a reduced rate, to team with franchise star Kobe Bryant. However, according to multiple media reports, although James has opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat, he has not yet scheduled any meetings with other NBA teams, nor is he expected to. This is the surest sign so far that James indeed intends to stay in Miami for the long term, though that could change by Tuesday.
The Lakers now appear focused on Anthony and also resigning Pau Gasol, should James indeed indicate he is not available. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers are expected to meet with Anthony as soon as this Thursday http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/11152265/pau-gasol-consider-re-signing-los-angeles-lakers. Anthony is also expected to meet with the Knicks, Bulls, Rockets and Mavericks, and has indicated he will have a decision made by the 2nd week of July.