Los Angeles Lakers: What each new free agent brings to the team

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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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers

What Carmelo Anthony brings to the Los Angeles Lakers

For years, it has been rumored that LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony would team up together and finally we will be seeing that this season. Melo will be an interesting fit for the Lakers.

His best role on the team would be as a 6th man that can bring the starting lineup an offensive spark when they need it or as the leading scorer of the bench unit.

Anthony had his best shooting percentage from deep last season with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Melo lit it up from distance, shooting a career-high 40.9% from three. If he is able to carry this over, he will be part of the solution to the Lakers’ shooting woes.

He has become a below-average defender in the past few years but it is likely that this will change this season.

With championship hopes and LeBron James there to keep him on track, this could be a revival year for Anthony on the defensive end.

He has the build to be at the very least an average defender, however, his athleticism and effort levels make it a question mark.

At the very least, Melo will bring instant offense to the team and someone they can rely on to come off of the bench and get the Lakers a bucket when they need it.