3 players who have earned new contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers

2. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony obviously is not the same player that he used to be but he deserves credit for doing something that many NBA pundits did not think he would be willing to do. Carmelo has aged gracefully into a smaller role in NBA rotations and was exactly what the Lakers needed him to be last season.

Yes, his defense was not the best at times and he is a step (or two) slower than he used to be. That was all expected when the Lakers signed him in the offseason. What Carmelo Anthony did provide was elite three-point shooting as a role player as well as the possibility to have some big scoring nights that won the Lakers games.

Melo scored 23 or more points in seven games last season and the Lakers’ record in those games was 7-0. Anthony absolutely makes a difference and is a valuable forward to have in the rotation off the bench.

That being said, it would not be totally shocking if Carmelo retired at his age. If he does continue to play I would imagine that he runs it back with the Lakers in the big market while getting to play with his friend, LeBron James.

However, if Anthony is simply playing just to win a championship before he retires, he may turn towards a team with a better chance of winning than the Lakers. That too is a possibility.