It goes without saying LeBron and Carmelo Anthony are close going back to high school, and the Lakers certainly bend over backward to make LeBron happy. With Westbrook now headed to Los Angeles, multiple league personnel contacted by B/R expect there to be significant interest from several veterans, including DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Carmelo Anthony, to forgo higher salary opportunities elsewhere and join the Lakers in pursuit of a championship. Anthony drilled a career-best 40.9 percent from 3 last season w/Portland. Melo has been linked to the Lakers as a possibility, given his friendship w/LeBron dating back to high school. #Lakers are “very interested” in the prospect of signing Carmelo Anthony, per a league source. Carmelo Anthony tops the list of veterans interested in the Lakers, according to multiple reports. While we can debate how much Russell Westbrook helps LeBron James and Anthony Davis come the playoffs, there is no question the Lakers are again a serious threat to come out of the West and push for another banner.Ī lot of quality veteran players may be willing to take a little less to chase a ring with LeBron.