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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 veteran minimum candidates to help the bench

By Justin Hickey

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Carmelo Anthony

The most well-known name on this list and someone that has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers for a while. Carmelo Anthony proved last season that he still belongs in the league after so many doubted he could still play.

While playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Melo had a shooting line of 43/38.5/84.5 while averaging 15.4 points per game. He provides offense and still has the ability to carry teams scoring for periods of time.

Melo is also known to have a strong relationship with LeBron James and enjoys big markets. One could say Los Angeles is the better fit right now to help him get his first title.

The Lakers are already the favorites to win the 2021 NBA Finals as well. While Melo isn’t the same player he used to be, he is still useful. Better time to help the Lakers right now rather than waiting a few more years to get a ring and being an end of the bench player.

He has the ability to contribute to the bench and should accept that role in Los Angeles. He will also have the opportunity to close games if he is playing well certain nights. Money is no issue as he has been one of the highest-paid players in the NBA over the last 10 seasons.

This pairing has been talked about for years and now it could finally happen. The Lakers will need to add scoring to become more dynamic. Too many players went missing in the playoffs. Melo could shore that up and even on inconsistent nights, he will provide the ability to get to the free-throw line.

Best free agency fits for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. dark. Next

At worst he will give you 10-12 points per night while not even playing 20+ minutes.

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