Whenever Carmelo Anthony decides to retire, he’s determined that no one else is going to break the news, writes Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. Anthony discussed the topic after Friday’s practice, but gave no indication that he’s thinking about ending his career. At age 37, he remains a valuable weapon off the Lakers‘ bench, averaging 13.6 points per game and shooting 38.7% from three-point range.
“I’m going to tell you that right now: You ain’t going to hear no whispers,” Anthony said when asked about retirement. “You’re going to hear it straight from me.”
Anthony, who along with teammate LeBron James are the only active players from the 2003 draft, wants to keep his career going as long as possible after finding himself out of the league nearly three years ago when it seemed nobody wanted him. He has remained durable despite his age, appearing in 64 games so far this season and missing only 15 combined over the past three years. Anthony credits that to his mental approach to each season.
“If coming into it you’re thinking, ‘Oh I want to play 70 games or 72 games,’ you’re not going to be really locked into that,” he said. “You’ll be worried about something going wrong or this happening.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Anthony Davis didn’t take part in contact during Friday’s practice, but his workload has been increasing and the team remains hopeful that he’ll be available before the end of the regular season, Goon states in the same piece. Davis hasn’t played since spraining his right foot in a February 16 game.
- There’s less optimism surrounding Kendrick Nunn, an offseason free agent addition who hasn’t played all season, Goon adds. Nunn still isn’t able to practice, and coach Frank Vogel acknowledged that it’s “a good question” why he hasn’t been ruled out for the season. “I haven’t circled back with a recent update on that other than to know that’s he’s trying to (come back),” Vogel said. “I’m not sure when the next MRI is. But the intent is for him to continue to ramp up activity to where his imaging is coming back clean. I think there’s been some improvements, but not enough to see him back in practice.”
- Vogel is touting James for MVP honors, but admits the Lakers’ poor record will affect his chances, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. James is the league’s top scorer at 30.0 PPG, but L.A. is fighting to hold onto a spot in the play-in tournament. “He is as deserving for MVP consideration as anybody in the league,” Vogel said. “I know how the voting goes — the team with the best record or top couple of records usually gets most of those considerations, so the win-loss record definitely would probably hurt him. But you can’t tell me that anybody has played a better season than LeBron James has this year.”
Wouldn’t be surprised if no one picks him up this off-season. Zero D
Melo is a better defender than Westbrook
Melo may be a better offensive player too
If Westbrook is worth $47 million a season, Melo is worth $55 million IMO
Agree?
Melo is not better D than Westbrook. Last year with Portland they could only play him with certain rotations (Covington or DJJ almost always had to be on floor with him) and Melo and Kanter basically couldnt be on the floor together. He is awful defensively.
What is Melo worth if Westbrook is worth 2 year $92 million?
Who says that’s what someone would pay Westbrook today? That deal was made with varying factors not just output for the lakers in 2022.
You are so right (slund 24) and the league knows it. I don’t remember what team (SA or MIN?) but when they recently beat the Lakers one of the young players candidly said after then game that the strategy was to attack Melo and his side of the floor all night and it worked. I think Melo has become a more committed defender in his renaissance, but he’s still not very good.
But Westbrook isn’t worth $47 million a season, not even close.
Nah he’s actually been ok. Granted he can’t stay in front of anyone but he still has quick hands and hustles.
Would love to see Melo come back to NY and finish out his career. Would be great to have him and Rose show the kids the way. I’m sure they’ve learned from their past and the mistakes made along the way, but a value nonetheless. Coming off the bench – would be electric back at MSG.
What?! Look, I love Melo, and I think he’s taken more undue crap about his personality over the years than anyone else. When others were saying he was a cancer, his teammates were saying he was one of the greatest guys in the league.
That said, if you think him and Rose are going to help make the Knicks kids winners by mentoring them, you’re uts.
I said they would come off the bench – a Haslem type of presence, but more productive as an example. In no shape or form did I insinuate that they’d make the kids winners, but rather ‘help’ them.
still no
Yeah Mr Vogel, LBJ has played at MVP level for sure… but I can tell you that Jokic, Giannis & Embiid have played better than him, but sadly voters think that it is about choosing the best player of the best team, winning or losing is not a part of it, is about how valuable a player is to the team!
I agree with espn and fox sports
Run it back
According to report, Lakers will not buy out Westbrook
Melo to Nuggets for his last Harrah.
Nuggets trade Will Barton and Jeff Green for Marcus Smart.
(Celtics really wanted Jeff Green and Barton I think would be a really good fit)
Then in FA, get Melo on the vets min and get JaVale McGee to come back once again.
1. Murray. Bones
2. Smart. Morris
3. MPJ. Kendall Brown/Wendell Moore (draft)
4. Gordon. Melo
5. Jokic. McGee
Nuggets all full strength would be so good.
Murray MPJ and Jokic. Smart is a great defender and leader for them. Off the bench Melo returns home and provides the role of bench scorer. McGee returns with great defence. Draft in a SF that can defend aswell.
Why would the Celtics trade Marcus Smart? Smart is doing fine with the Celtics. Celtics is winning games because of their team defense. Smart is one of the reasons they are doing well.
They have turned it around since getting Derrick White.
But before that there were looking to add a shooter like Malik Beasley and wanted Jeff Green also. Think if they got offered Barton and Green they’d think long and hard about it.
If you see my other comment about them too. I think they flip Brown for Beal, promote White to being a smarter and in which case Barton and Green suit them better coming off the bench
To help the situation with NUNN,
Lakers will consult a PRIEST !!
Anthony Davis hasn’t taken part in Contact since 2015.