Carmelo Anthony was one of the lone bright spots for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. He came in with the intention of being a productive role player, and that is precisely what he proved to be.
In 2021-22 Anthony averaged 13.3 points per game on 44.2 percent shooting from the field and 37.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
One year earlier, during his 2020-21 campaign with the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged 13.4 points per game on 42.1 percent shooting from the field and 40.9 percent shooting from three.
By any objective measure, there was no drop off in L.A. And yet for whatever reason, Anthony has not been able to get another shot in the NBA this season.
This week, in a chat with Malika Andrews, Anthony got brutally honest about his NBA future.
“I love the game, I will say that, but I realize there’s a lot of things that’s not in my control,” Anthony said.
“So, I just sit back and let it play out and whatever it’s going to be, it’s going to be and I accept that. I’m at peace with that, I’m cool and I get to watch my son play, train him, be around him…
“I can be that father and the man that I need to be so, I’m cool. I would love to play, I love the game, I’m still in the gym every single day. But, the opportunity presents itself, (then) it presents itself but it’s not something that I’m pressing about. I still love it, I still love the game.”
For a while it seemed like there were two legitimate suitors out there for Anthony’s services. Then seemingly overnight – all the interest vanished.
It’s not clear why.
Obviously Anthony comes with some off-the-court baggage. His groupie drama has been less-than-ideal. Ditto for all his other female problems.
Ivana Knoll just gave Croatia all the motivation they need to beat Argentina and win the #WorldCup https://t.co/xt6iseFDpb
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 13, 2022
But on the court, he can still definitely be a productive contributor.
Will the future Hall of Famer get one last opportunity to suit up and help a team contend for an NBA title?
Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
