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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 free agents to sign on a veteran’s minimum deal

By Jason Reed

MIAMI, FL - MAY 29: Andre Iguodala #28 of the Miami Heat celebrates after hitting a three point shot against the Milwaukee Bucks Game Four of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 29, 2021 in Miami, 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MAY 29: Andre Iguodala #28 of the Miami Heat celebrates after hitting a three point shot against the Milwaukee Bucks Game Four of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 29, 2021 in Miami, 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Carmelo Anthony

Basketball purists might think of Carmelo Anthony on the Los Angeles Lakers and roll their eyes and I cannot blame them. Anthony does not play defense and at this point in his career is not the offensive presence that he once was, yet he can have the tendency to be a ball-stopper like he still is 2013 Melo.

The counterargument to that is that he shook some of that off with Portland and seems to have realized that this is now his role in the NBA. He is no longer a star or even a starting-caliber player, if he wants to continue playing he has to take a role off the bench and he has done that well.

That being said, the Lakers should not bring him in to play as many minutes as he was with Portland. That is part of the reason why Portland did not make it deep in the playoffs. A team that is giving Carmelo Anthony starting-caliber minutes is probably not a very deep team.

Melo would have to take a smaller role but could be willing to do so to truly compete for his first title. Not only would he be competing for a title but he would be doing so alongside one of his best NBA friends in LeBron James.

Melo could replace Markieff Morris in the rotation and while Melo cannot play the small-ball five he can still provide the same catch and shoot dynamic that Morris provided in his limited minutes.

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