Predicting where each Lakers free agent lands this offseason
By Jason Reed
Carmelo Anthony: Returns to Los Angeles Lakers or retires
There seem to be two different paths that Carmelo Anthony can take this offseason. Melo could either return for one more year with the Lakers as he pursues the first championship of his career, or he could ride off into the sunset without ever claiming the ultimate prize.
Since Melo has not won a championship before you could make the case that he would simply want to sign with the best contending team in the league. However, as it stands right now, there is not a runaway favorite and teams like the Celtics, Bucks and Warriors do not really need him.
Instead, the one option that makes the most sense for him is to stay exactly where he is. He gets to live in sunny Los Angeles, gets to play alongside his good friend in LeBron James and will actually get decent playing time off the bench.
Carmelo was not bad for the Lakers in the slightest last season. While his defense is a concern and would have to be accounted for in the playoffs, he does add a positive offensive impact on the bench as a three-point shooter.
It is equally as possible that Melo, who has racked up plenty of miles on his body, simply wants to take a break and retire as well.