Los Angeles Lakers: 4 reasons not to pursue Carmelo Anthony

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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images /

2. Awkward fit offensively

There is no debating about Carmelo Anthony’s scoring prowess. He is one of the most gifted scorers that have ever graced an NBA court. However, after what we saw last season with the Thunder, it is fair to question Anthony’s fit on the Lakers.

Anthony struggled to fit in last season with the Thunder as the third option. He was used as a spot-up and catch-and-shoot player more than ever and he was unable to produce. Anthony shot 41.3 percent on the season without taking any dribbles, making 50.6 percent of his 2-pointers and 37.5 percent of his 3-pointers.

Melo shot better taking between one and six dribbles. However, that kind of ball-stopping is counteractive to the type of offense that Walton is running. Yes, there are some isolations called, but their offense is predicated on ball movement and finding the open man.

With the Lakers, it would be a lot of spot-ups for Anthony. LeBron James, Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo will handle a large portion of the ball handling. Brandon Ingram also showed the ability to be a playmaker, while Lance Stephenson and Josh Hart figure to chip in as well. Anthony would rarely, if ever, initiate the offense.

At this stage of his career, Anthony is set in his ways. The LeBron James factor could help here, but it is not a risk worth taking for Los Angeles.

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