Los Angeles Lakers: 5 must-sign free agents after Russell Westbrook trade

By Jason Reed | Jul 30, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Capital One Arena on May 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Carmelo Anthony

Let’s get back to the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers need shooting for a minute. One of the better minimum deal options that the Lakers are going to have this offseason is Carmelo Anthony. In fact, it would be shocking if Anthony did not sign with the Lakers.

There has already been speculation about Melo signing with LA as he and LeBron are obviously good buddies. He has proven that he still has something left in the gas tank and is willing to take a smaller role a a spot-up shooter.

He would have to transition to the bench but at this point in his career I doubt he would turn down the chance to win a championship just because he does not want to be on the bench. He can effecitvely serve as the Lakers’ backup four.

He is not a traditional four but can space the floor and against a second-team power forward won’t be an absolute liability defensively. He obviously won’t be on the floor in crunchtime but off the bench the Lakers would like what he offers.

You can go smaller with Melo at the four with Whiteside or Marc Gasol next to him and Melo can even do some (not a lot) of initiating if LeBron and Westbrook are on the bench.

At the end of the day, Melo shot 40.9% from beyond the arc last season and has shot 39.9% over the last two years since taking a reduced role.

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