If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to acquire Carmelo Anthony, someone will have to be moved from the roster. These three players are the likeliest to be on the move.
The Los Angeles Lakers are having a solid season given the circumstances surrounding the team. Los Angeles has battled numerous injuries throughout the season, with LeBron James’ absence setting the team back the last month.
With James sidelined, along with Rajon Rondo, the team has gone 5-9. Hopefully, James and Rondo are both back in the fold sooner than later, because Lonzo Ball will be sidelined 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.
Without all of their primary ball handlers and playmakers, the Lakers offense has cratered. Since Christmas Day, when James and Rondo went down, the team has had one of the worst offenses in the NBA. Coincidentally, there is an offensive-minded player that is available for the taking in Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony had been away from the Houston Rockets Since Nov. 11, playing in only 10 games with the team before agreeing to part ways. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 22, but will not play for the Bulls. They will part ways with him by the trade deadline either by buyout or trade.
The Lakers are one team who reportedly has interest in bringing in Anthony. However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers do not want to waive a guaranteed player to make room for him.
Sources: The Lakers maintain interest in Anthony, but do not want to waive a guaranteed player to create a roster spot for him, league sources tell ESPN. If a roster spot eventually opens with LA, yes, the Lakers are a possible destination for Anthony.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019
While the Lakers may not want to waive anyone right now, they could make a trade to open up a roster spot. The Lakers have been involved in some trade rumors recently, such as the rumors with the Dallas Mavericks involving Dennis Smith Jr. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has also had his name brought up in trade talks.
However, things could change if the Lakers continue losing games. The organization wants to win and if they feel Anthony helps them do that, they will make the necessary moves to land Anthony.
If the Lakers do pursue Anthony, they will have to open up a roster spot as they are currently at the 15 player max. Who could be on the move? If Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka want Anthony, these three players could have to pack their bags soon.