Los Angeles Lakers: 5 ring chasers to pursue this summer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 05: Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets is guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the Eastern Conference second round series at Barclays Center on June 05, 2021 in New York City. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 05: Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets is guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the Eastern Conference second round series at Barclays Center on June 05, 2021 in New York City. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

4. Carmelo Anthony

We ran an entire article on why the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue Carmelo Anthony in free agency that has a much deeper breakdown on why Melo makes sense for the Lakers. It definitely might seem like something to laugh at when you first see it, so I don’t blame any reader who shakes their head, but the reasoning is there.

In short, Melo brings something to the table that the Los Angeles Lakers need: shooting. Melo is at the point in his career where he is accepting of a smaller role and on the Lakers he would come off the bench as a catch-and-shoot specialist who can also give the second unit someone who can create his own shot.

Anthony is not as proficient at creating his own shot as he once was but he definitely can do so in a limited capacity.

Time is running out for Melo to win an NBA Championship as it is the one thing that has alluded him in his Hall of Fame career. He has the National Championship in college, has the all-star appearances, the All-NBA appearances, he’s been an MVP finalist and he has won the scoring title. He just needs a ring.

Portland is not the place to stay to win a championship and when he looks around at the possible teams that could actually win a title next year he should not look any further than LA. He would get to play in sunny Los Angeles alongside his friend, LeBron James, who he has not played with before outside of the Olympics.