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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 reasons not to pursue Carmelo Anthony

By Kenneth Teape

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder cheers from the bench in the first half during Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 21: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder cheers from the bench in the first half during Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 reasons not to pursue Carmelo Anthony
Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images /

4. Melo won’t come off the bench

When Carmelo Anthony was traded from the New York Knicks to the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to the 2017-18 season, he made some interesting comments during his introductory press conference. During the press conference, he was asked about whether or not he would be a starter.

The question amused Anthony, who laughed at the question, immediately disregarding the possibility of coming off the bench.

Anthony doubled down on that statement during his exit interview following the Thunder’s first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs.

Anthony’s insistence on being a starter is a roadblock. The teams he could play for would grow if he was more willing to accept a role off the bench. Anthony has started every game in his NBA career, but he excelled as a sixth man in international play with Team USA.

If he truly believes he should be a starter, Los Angeles isn’t the place for him. LeBron James is entrenched in one starting forward spot and will most likely be joined by Brandon Ingram. JaVale McGee looks like he will be the starting center. Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo will battle it out at point guard, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Josh Hart will compete at shooting guard.

After the performance that Anthony had last season, it would be difficult to build an argument that he should start over any of those players. While he has had a better career overall, Anthony is in no position to demand a starting spot after how he played with the Thunder.

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